Kenneth is a given name of Gaelic origin. The name is an Anglicised form of two entirely different Gaelic personal names: Cainnech and Cináed. The modern Scottish Gaelic form of Cainnech is Coinneach; the name was derived from a byname meaning "handsome", "comely".

Etymology

The second part of the name Cinaed is derived either from the Celtic *aidhu, meaning "fire", or else Brittonic jʉ:ð meaning "lord".

People

Fictional characters

  • Kenneth Widmerpool, in Anthony Powell's novel sequence A Dance to the Music of Time
  • Kenneth Parcell, in the sitcom 30 Rock

See also

  • Ken (given name)
  • Kenny

References