Meaning & Origin
Kenna is a feminine given name of Scottish origin. It is a feminine form of Kenneth, itself derived from the Anglicized versions of the Gaelic names Coinneach and Cináed. The name Kenneth has royal associations, notably with the 9th-century Scottish king Cináed mac Ailpín, who united the Scots and Picts. Kenna emerged as a feminine counterpart, following a common pattern in many languages where masculine names are adapted for females.
Forms and Variants
Uncommon as a given name, Kenna has related forms including the variation Kenina (Kenina) and the masculine Kenny (also Scottish). In other languages, an analogous feminine development is Kendra, a feminine form of Kenneth coined in English.
Notable Bearers
A modern figure who shares this name is the Ethiopian-born American musician and technology creative Kenna Zemedkun, known mononymously as Kenna. Born in Addis Ababa and raised in the United States, he was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Urban/Alternative Performance in 2009 for his track "Say Goodbye to Love." He is also noted for founding the clean water initiative Summit on the Summit and collaborating in reimagining the social network Myspace.
Meaning: feminine form of Kenneth
Origin: Scottish
Type: given name, primarily feminine
Usage regions: Scotland, English-speaking world
Related names: Kenina, Kenneth, Kenny, Kendra