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Kenna

Girl name · 62 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kenna: 62 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 8 births in 2022.

Kenna is a name with two distinct roots, most commonly a feminine form of Kenneth, which comes from the Scottish Gaelic *Coinneach*, meaning “handsome” or “born of fire.” It can also be a short form of the Irish name Kenna, derived from *Cionaodh*, meaning “born of fire” or “handsome.” In modern usage, Kenna stands as an independent, spirited name. One notable bearer is Kenna James, an American actress, though the name also appears in literature as the surname of the philosopher John Kenna. The name shares its root with the Scottish place name Kenmore, meaning “great head” or “big hill,” and the town of Kennoway in Fife. A further note: Kenna has seen a steady rise in Scotland since the 1990s, often chosen as a fresh alternative to the more traditional Kenneth or Kenzie.