Kenna

Pronunciation: [ k-EHN-uh ]

Girl Name #724 Most Popular Rising 2 Syllables

A fiery Scottish gem with ancient royal roots

Scottish Irish American

Modern Strong Bold Earthy Unique

Meaning & Origin

"born of fire"

Origin: Scottish Gaelic

Language: Scottish Gaelic

"handsome, comely"

Origin: Celtic

Language: Old Irish

The Story of Kenna

Kenna is the Scottish feminine form of Kenneth, derived from the Gaelic 'Cionaodh' meaning 'born of fire' or 'handsome.' The name has roots in early Scottish and Irish history, associated with Kenneth MacAlpin, the first King of Scotland. As a standalone feminine name, Kenna emerged as parents sought feminine alternatives to the masculine Kenneth.

Kenna began climbing US popularity charts in the 2000s as parents sought distinctive yet familiar-sounding girl names. Its Celtic heritage appeals to those seeking Scottish or Irish identity without the over-popularity of names like Fiona or Isla.

In Scotland, the name carries historical weight through Kenneth MacAlpin, and Kenna represents a revival of Celtic feminine naming traditions that honor strong warrior heritage.

Fun Facts

Kenneth MacAlpin, considered Scotland's first king, made the root name historically significant
Kenna is trending in Scotland as part of a broader Celtic name revival

Kenna in Other Languages

Irish Cianaíoch

French Kenna

Spanish Kenna

Scottish Gaelic Cionaodha

Famous People Named Kenna

Kenna (Samuel Isaiah Johns)

Musician

1978

Ethiopian-American alternative rock musician known for blending genres

Kenna Makwela Fictional

Other

Protagonist of the webcomic 'Always Human', a compassionate young woman in a futuristic world

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #724
Total SSA Count: 388
Cultural Origins: Scottish Irish American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Alternative Spellings

Kennedy #89 Kennedi #685 Kennadi #4640

Common Nicknames

Ken Kenny

Pairs Well With

Kenna Rose Kenna Grace Kenna Marie Kenna Jo Kenna Leigh Kenna Anne Kenna Blair

Sibling Names

Declan Finn Rory Isla Cora Lachlan Maeve

Also a Boy Name

Kenna is also used as a boy name, ranked #19385.

View Kenna as a boy name →

Similar Names

Jennie Jenny Serena Sena Vienna Gemma Jemma Savanna

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Kenna

What does the name Kenna mean?

"born of fire" (from Scottish Gaelic). "handsome, comely" (from Celtic). Kenna is the Scottish feminine form of Kenneth, derived from the Gaelic 'Cionaodh' meaning 'born of fire' or 'handsome.' The name has roots in early Scottish and Irish history, associated with Kenneth MacAlpin, the first King of Scotland. As a standalone feminine name, Kenna emerged as parents sought feminine alternatives to the masculine Kenneth.

What is the origin of the name Kenna?

Kenna has Scottish Gaelic, Celtic, Scottish, Irish, and American origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "born of fire". In Celtic, it means "handsome, comely".

Is Kenna a boy or girl name?

Kenna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #724. As a boy name, it is ranked #19385. Kenna is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Kenna?

Kenna is pronounced k-EHN-uh.

How popular is the name Kenna?

Kenna is currently ranked #724 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Kenna?

Common nicknames for Kenna include Ken and Kenny.

What are good middle names for Kenna?

Popular middle name pairings include Kenna Rose, Kenna Grace, Kenna Marie, Kenna Jo, Kenna Leigh, Kenna Anne, and Kenna Blair.

What are good sibling names for Kenna?

Names that pair well with Kenna as siblings include Declan, Finn, Rory, Isla, Cora, Lachlan, and Maeve.

How many syllables does Kenna have?

Kenna has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Kenna a common or rare name?

Kenna is moderately common, ranked #724 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.

About the Name Kenna

Kenna is a girl name with Scottish, Irish, and American origins . The name means "born of fire" in Scottish Gaelic .

Is Kenna a boy or girl name? Kenna is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #724 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #19,385. Kenna is more commonly used as a girl name.

Kenna is currently ranked #724 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Kenna has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EHN-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Kenna include Ken and Kenny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.

Alternative spellings of Kenna include Kennedy, Kennedi, Kennadi . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.