name
Common
Kenneth
KEHN-uhth
Kenneth (name) means a male given name of Scottish Gaelic origin, popular throughout the English-speaking world in the 20th century. Example: “Kenneth was named after his grandfather, who came from Aberdeen.”
name
1
A male given name of Scottish Gaelic origin, popular throughout the English-speaking world in the 20th century.
"Kenneth was named after his grandfather, who came from Aberdeen."
How to use Kenneth
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA traditional Scottish first name, often shortened to Ken or Kenny.
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Word forms
- Plural
- Kenneths
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_____ was named after his grandfather, who came from Aberdeen.
Etymology
An anglicized form of Gaelic names including Cináed (borne by early Scottish kings) and Cainnech, meaning roughly "handsome".
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “Kenneth” mean?
The word “Kenneth” means a male given name of Scottish Gaelic origin, popular throughout the English-speaking world in the 20th century. In plain terms, a traditional Scottish first name, often shortened to Ken or Kenny.
How do you pronounce “Kenneth”?
“Kenneth” is pronounced KEHN-uhth (/ˈkɛn.əθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “Kenneth” in a sentence?
Here is “Kenneth” used in a sentence: “Kenneth was named after his grandfather, who came from Aberdeen.”
What part of speech is “Kenneth”?
“Kenneth” is a name.
Is “Kenneth” a common word?
“Kenneth” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the short form of Kenneth?
The common nicknames for Kenneth are Ken and Kenny. Both are widely used as informal or affectionate forms of the full name.
What is the difference between Kenneth and Kenny?
They are the same name at different levels of formality. Kenneth is the full, formal given name used on official documents, while Kenny is the casual, friendly short form used among family and friends.
Is Kenneth a first name or a surname?
Kenneth is chiefly a male given name of Scottish Gaelic origin, used mainly as a first name. Like many first names, it can occasionally appear as a family name as well.
When was Kenneth most popular?
Kenneth spread throughout the English-speaking world and was especially popular as a boys' name during the 20th century. Its use has become less common in more recent decades.
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