The nameKenan
Kenan is a biblical name, also common in Turkey and Bosnia.
- Boy's name
- Hebrew
Meaning
Kenan comes from the Hebrew Qenan, sometimes read as "possession". In Turkish it is linked to Canaan.
Origin
Hebrew.
History
Kenan is a descendant of Adam in Genesis. In England and Wales the name reached 345th in 1998. Kenan Thompson made it known in American comedy.
Famous people named Kenan
- Kenan Thompson, comedian
- Kenan Yildiz, footballer
Popularity of the name Kenan
Kenan in the United States
Kenan was most popular in the United States in the 2010s, with 1,109 births over the decade, 25% of all recorded babies named Kenan. Its rise began around 1965, and it peaked in 2024. Half of all babies named Kenan in the United States were born before 2006, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 153 births a year on average, against 120 in the five years before.
Kenan in the United Kingdom
Kenan was most popular in the United Kingdom in the 2000s, with 234 births over the decade, 30% of all recorded babies named Kenan. Half of all babies named Kenan in the United Kingdom were born before 2009, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 29 births a year on average, against 21 in the five years before.
Kenan in France
Kenan in Belgium
Kenan in Switzerland
Sibling names for Kenan
Names from the same generation as Kenan, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Kenan? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Kenan with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Kenan side by side with the name of your choice.
Kenan in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kenan mean?
Kenan comes from the Hebrew Qenan, sometimes read as "possession". In Turkish it is linked to Canaan.
What is the origin of the name Kenan?
Hebrew.
Is Kenan a girl's or a boy's name?
Kenan is a boy's name.
How popular is the name Kenan?
In 2024, Kenan was the 1130th most popular name for baby boys in the United States, with 187 births.
What are good sibling names for Kenan?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Betty, Dina, Ivana and Shoshana for a sister, Eleazar, Shlomo, Reuben and Avraham for a brother.
Who are famous people named Kenan?
Kenan Thompson, comedian; Kenan Yildiz, footballer.