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Ken

Boy name · 9 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Ken: 9 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 3 births in 1977.

Ken originated as a short form of Kenneth, which traces back to the Scottish Gaelic name Coinneach meaning “handsome” or “born of fire.” One of the most famous bearers was Kenneth I, the 9th-century king who united the Scots and Picts, founding the dynasty that would rule Scotland for centuries. In modern times, actor Ken Stott, known for roles in *The Hobbit* and *Rebus*, has carried the name into the spotlight. While there is no major settlement named directly after Ken, the name shares its Gaelic roots with the Scottish village of Kenmore. A further note: Ken remains a popular standalone name in Scotland, but it also persists as a familiar short form for Kenneth, which itself saw peak popularity in the 1950s.

Boy 3 of 52 years

Peak year
19773 babies
Latest (1986)
#3173 babies
Total births
9since 1977
5-year trend
≈ stablevs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1977 · 3
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).