Kenan is an important name to Jewish, Christian, and Islam families. Some associate it with the Irish as well, as it could be a variation of Keenan. No matter the origin, Kenan is currently a top 3,000 baby name in America.

Meaning of the name Kenan:

Hebrew: possession
Irish: ancient

Origin of the name Kenan:

Kenan is likely a Biblical name from the Old Testament. It was the title for the son of Enosh, who was a descendent of Noah. In actuality, he was the great-grandson of the first man, Adam. Some do believe, however, that Kenan is a spelling variation of the Irish name, Keenan.

Symbolism of the name Kenan:

Kenan means “possession” in Hebrew as it comes from the word that is the same. The man in the Bible with the title was God's possession. In Irish, Kenan means “ancient” as it has the same meaning as Keenan.

Style of the name Kenan:

Classical

Gender of the name Kenan:

Kenan is a wholesome name for boys.

Pronunciation of the name Kenan:

KEE-nen

Number of syllables in the name Kenan:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Kenan:

Kenan is kind-hearted and strong. It is a formal name with a serious feel.

Alternative spellings for the name Kenan:

  • Keenan 
  • Keenon
  • Kenon
  • Keynan
  • Kienen
  • Kienon

Nicknames for the name Kenan:

  • KK
  • Kee
  • Ken
  • Keen
  • Kenny 
  • Kennie
  • Kenni
  • Nan

Popularity of the name Kenan:

Kenan was only a top 1,000 baby name in America for one year. In 1997, it ranked at number 969. As of 2020, Kenan is a top 3,000 option at number 2,846.

Related names for the name Kenan:

Great middle names for Kenan and their meanings:

Famous people with the name Kenan:

  • Kenan Thompson (actor, “All That”)
  • Kenan Bargan (soccer player)
  • Kenan Bell (hip hop artist)
  • Kenan Coban (actor, “Valley of the Wolves”)
  • Kenan Dogulu (pop star)
  • Kenan Engin (political scientist)
  • Kenan Harkin (BMX rider)

Kenans in popular culture:

  • Kenan Rockmore (character from “Kenan & Kel”)