The nameKen
Ken is a short boy's name, mostly given in France in the late 1980s and the 1990s.
- Boy's name
- Scottish through Kenneth
Meaning
Its meaning depends on its origin. As a short form of Kenneth, it goes back to Gaelic and is often understood as "handsome".
Origin
Scottish through Kenneth, and also Japanese, where Ken is a name in its own right.
History
First given in France in the mid 1960s, Ken peaked there in the late 1980s, then became very rare.
Popularity of the name Ken
Ken in France
Ken was most popular in France in the 1990s, with 495 births over the decade, 37% of all recorded babies named Ken. Its rise began around 1975, and it peaked in 1989. Half of all babies named Ken in France were born before 1991.
Variants and related names
Ken in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Ken mean?
Its meaning depends on its origin. As a short form of Kenneth, it goes back to Gaelic and is often understood as "handsome".
What is the origin of the name Ken?
Scottish through Kenneth, and also Japanese, where Ken is a name in its own right.
Is Ken a girl's or a boy's name?
Ken is a boy's name.
What are the variants of the name Ken?
Variants and related names of Ken include Kenneth.