Kenai is an uncommon first name of American origin, derived from the Yupik language spoken by indigenous peoples of Alaska. It translates to "snow-covered mountain peak," reflecting the rugged and majestic landscapes of its namesake region. Historically, Kenai was used primarily among the Alaskan Native communities but has gained occasional use as a given name in other parts of the United States and beyond since the mid-20th century. The name Kenai is pronounced /kəˈnaɪ/ with emphasis on the second syllable.
The name Kenai experienced fluctuations in popularity over the years, with a peak of 7 births in 2003 and 2007, and a consistent decline from 2019 onwards, with an average of 5 births per year since then. Despite these fluctuations, the name has maintained a steady presence, with a total of 63 births recorded between 2003 and 2023.