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Kenneth

Boy name · 5,030 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Kenneth: 5,030 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 387 births in 1975.

Drawn from the Gaelic Coinneach, meaning 'handsome' or 'comely', Kenneth is a name steeped in Scottish history. Its most celebrated bearer is Kenneth MacAlpin, the 9th-century king who united the Picts and Scots, laying foundations for the kingdom of Scotland. Closer to modern times, the name belongs to actor and director Kenneth Branagh and author Kenneth Grahame, creator of The Wind in the Willows. While no major place shares the exact name, the clan Mackenzie—whose name derives from the same root—has deep Highland ties. A versatile classic, Kenneth offers the friendly nicknames Ken and Kenny, and has remained a steady choice for Scottish parents over the decades.

Boy 51 of 52 years

Peak year
1975387 babies
Latest (2025)
#4956 babies
Total births
5,030since 1974
5-year trend
▼ 34%vs prior 5y
1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 1975 · 387
Births per year in Scotland. Missing years had a count of 2 or fewer (suppressed by NRS).