Kenneth Name Meaning & Details
Origin, Popularity, Numerology Analysis & Name Meaning of Kenneth
Discover the origin, meaning, and cultural significance of the name KENNETH. Delve into its historical roots and explore the lasting impact it has had on communities and traditions.
Name
Kenneth
Gender
Male
Origin
Scottish
Lucky Number
5
Meaning of the Name
Kenneth is a Scottish male name meaning 'handsome' or 'fair.' It carries connotations of attractiveness and noble character rooted in Gaelic tradition.
Complete Numerology Analysis
Your Numerology Number
Based on Pythagorean Numerology System
Ruling Planet
Mercury
Positive Nature
Adventurous, dynamic, curious, and social.
Negative Traits
Restless, impatient, inconsistent, prone to indulgence.
Lucky Colours
Green, white.
Lucky Days
Wednesday.
Lucky Stones
Emerald.
Harmony Numbers
1, 3, 9.
Best Suited Professions
Sales, marketing, travel, entertainment.
What People Like About You
Versatility, charisma, adventurous spirit.
Famous People Named Kenneth
Kenneth I of Scotland
Monarch
First King of Scots who unified the Picts and Scots
Kenneth Branagh
Actor/Director
Academy Award-winning filmmaker known for Shakespeare adaptations
Kenneth Grahame
Author
Wrote the classic children's novel 'The Wind in the Willows'
Kenneth Cole
Fashion Designer
Founded influential American fashion brand Kenneth Cole Productions
Name Variations & International Equivalents
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Cultural & Historical Significance
The name's Gaelic origin, Coinneach, meaning 'handsome' or 'fair,' reflects Celtic cultural values that prized both physical beauty and noble character. As Scotland evolved, the name traveled with Scottish emigrants worldwide, becoming a marker of Scottish identity in diaspora communities from North America to Australia. In modern times, while its usage has become more international, Kenneth retains its Scottish character and continues to evoke images of Highland strength, Celtic heritage, and the rugged beauty of Scotland itself—serving as a living connection to Scottish history and cultural identity across generations.
Extended Personality Analysis
People named Kenneth are typically associated with a personality blend of traditional reliability and quiet strength. They often project an air of competence and stability that makes them natural leaders in both professional and personal contexts. There's a grounded quality to most Kenneths—they tend to be practical problem-solvers who approach challenges with methodical thinking rather than impulsive reactions. This makes them particularly valuable in crisis situations where steady judgment is required. Their reliability often makes them the 'rock' in relationships and organizations, the person others turn to when they need dependable support.
Beyond their practical exterior, many Kenneths possess surprising depth and creativity. While they may not be the most flamboyant personalities in a room, they often have rich inner lives and intellectual curiosity. There's frequently a strong sense of loyalty and commitment that characterizes their relationships—once you've earned a Kenneth's trust, you have a steadfast ally. The name suggests someone who values integrity and consistency, who builds rather than destroys, and who leads through example rather than command. This combination of traditional virtues with modern adaptability creates individuals who are both respected and genuinely liked by those who know them well.
Modern Usage & Popularity
In contemporary naming practices, Kenneth occupies an interesting position as a 'classic but currently unfashionable' name that maintains respectability while seeing decreased usage for newborns. After peaking in popularity during the baby boom years (ranking in the top 20 names in the US throughout the 1940s and 1950s), the name has gradually declined but never disappeared completely. Today, it's more commonly found among middle-aged and older men, though shortened forms like Ken and Kenny remain popular across generations. The name continues to hold strong in Scottish communities and among families with Scottish heritage, where it serves as an ethnic identifier and connection to ancestral roots. Current naming trends suggest that Kenneth may be due for a revival as vintage names from the mid-20th century begin cycling back into fashion, particularly as parents seek traditional names with solid, respectable connotations for their children.
Symbolic & Spiritual Meanings
Symbolically, Kenneth represents the enduring power of foundation and tradition—the steady hand that builds lasting structures rather than the flash that quickly fades. The name embodies the concept of 'fairness' in its broadest sense: not just physical attractiveness but equitable judgment, balanced perspective, and moral integrity. In Celtic symbolism, the potential connection to 'born of fire' suggests purification, transformation, and the sacred flame of inspiration and wisdom. Kenneth symbolizes leadership that emerges organically through demonstrated capability rather than aggressive ambition—the quiet authority that earns respect through consistent performance and reliable character. The name also carries connotations of heritage and lineage, representing the bridge between ancestral traditions and contemporary life, suggesting someone who honors the past while actively shaping the future through thoughtful, grounded action and principled decision-making.