Derek vs Kenneth

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Derek

Boy #258 Most Popular 2 Syllables

"ruler of the people"

Origin: Germanic

English American Dutch German

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Boy #284 Most Popular 3 Syllables

"handsome; fair one"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic (Coinneach)

Scottish Irish English American

✓ All Clear

Derek Rank #258

Kenneth Rank #284

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 vs #284 for Kenneth.

Is Derek or Kenneth more popular?

Derek is more popular, ranked #258 compared to Kenneth at #284 in the United States.

What do Derek and Kenneth mean?

Derek means "ruler of the people" (Germanic origin). Kenneth means "handsome; fair one" (Scottish Gaelic (Coinneach) origin).

Are Derek and Kenneth boy or girl names?

Derek is primarily a boy name. Kenneth is primarily a boy name.