Kennan Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Kennan has Irish origins, meaning 'chief', and traces its linguistic roots back to the Gaelic 'Ó Ceanain'. Over time, it has evolved through several forms and is associated with strong leadership traits. Although it does not have biblical relevance, it has been in use for centuries and is currently viewed positively, with notable figures bearing the name contributing to its image.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kennan"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛnən/
Origin
Irish
Etymology
The name Kennan is derived from the Gaelic surname 'Ó Ceanain', which means 'descendant of Ceanain', a personal name derived from the word 'ceann', meaning 'head' or 'chief'.
Meaning
chief
Language Evolution
Ó Ceanain, Ceanain, Kennan
Historical Usage
The name Kennan has been used in Ireland for centuries, gaining popularity as a surname before being adopted as a first name.
Variants & Derivatives
Ken, Kenny, Keenan
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kennan is perceived as a unique and somewhat traditional name, often associated with strength and leadership.
Famous People
George Kennan, an American diplomat and historian., Kennan Thompson, an American actor and comedian.
📊 Kennan Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kennan Name Visualizations
✨ Kennan Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 46 peak births in 2000
Geographic Spread
Popular across 5 US states, with strongest presence in Florida
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Kennan" - Complete Guide (2 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Kennan". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 2 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Kennan" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kennan"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Kennan"
"Kennan" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3051st of 7552 | 140 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3854th of 10718 | 115 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3070th of 16616 | 297 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3363rd of 24088 | 464 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5580th of 23106 | 194 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 20144th of 27321 | 17 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 21917th of 35406 | 31 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Kennan" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
55.60% 2888th/5194 |
55.42% 3501st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
71.85% 3292nd/4582 |
- |
49.49% 3619th/7313 |
52.71% 3934th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kennan" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kennan"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kennan" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Kennan" in the United States
The name Kennan is most popular in Florida, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kennan has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Kennan' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3051st out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3854th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3070th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3363rd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5580th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 20144th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 21917th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kennan' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.