Origin & Meaning of the Kenny Surname
What does the last name Kenny mean?
The surname Kenny carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 17,429 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kenny ranks as the #2,077 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kenny come from?
The Kenny surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Kenny name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kenny trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Kenny |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #2,077 |
| US Count (2010) | 17,429 |
| Per 100K People | 5.91 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kenny
According to the US Census, the Kenny surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 17,429 Americans with the Kenny last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 88.85% |
| Black | 5.66% |
| Hispanic | 2.39% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.99% |
| Native American | 0.6% |
| Two or More Races | 1.52% |
Popularity of Kenny Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kenny surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kenny surname increased by 618 between 2000 and 2010.
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Similar Surnames to Kenny
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kenny.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Kenny.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kenny
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