Kenyon is a unique and uncommon name of American origin. It is derived from the English surname Kenyon, which was originally an Anglo-Saxon personal name composed of the elements "cyn" meaning "kin" or "family," and "ing" meaning "belonging to." Thus, the name Kenyon means "of noble kin" or "of good family."
The name Kenyon has a rich history dating back to medieval England. It was first recorded as a surname in the early 13th century, with one Walter Kenyon being listed in the Hundred Rolls of 1273. Over time, the name spread across Britain and eventually made its way to America.
In recent years, Kenyon has become more popular as a given name for boys. It is often chosen by parents who wish to give their children a unique yet meaningful name with a strong historical background. While it remains relatively uncommon compared to other names, those named Kenyon can take pride in their distinctive and historic moniker.
In terms of its usage around the world, Kenyon is predominantly found in English-speaking countries such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. However, it has also appeared sporadically in other nations where English influence has been significant.
Overall, the name Kenyon offers an appealing blend of rarity, historical significance, and positive meanings related to family and nobility. For parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their son, Kenyon is certainly worth considering.
Over a span of nearly a century (1914-2023), the name Kenyon experienced significant fluctuations in popularity based on annual birth statistics. From a low of 8 births in 1914, the name's popularity grew steadily until it peaked at 323 births in 2005. After this peak, there was a decline, with as few as 32 births recorded in 2023. Overall, Kenyon was born to 7,915 children over these years, indicating consistent but varied usage of the name throughout the decades.