Kenzie is a gender-neutral name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname Kennedy, which comes from the Gaelic name Cínáed, meaning "handsome" or "attractive". The name has been popularized by celebrities such as actor and musician Zooey Deschanel, who named her daughter Kenzie in 2015.
The name Kenzie is thought to have originated as a Scottish clan name, with the Kennedy clan being one of the most powerful and influential families in Scotland during the Middle Ages. The name Cínáed was borne by several prominent Scottish kings and chiefs throughout history, including Cínáed mac Maíl Coluim (Cináed II), who ruled the Kingdom of Alba from 977 to 1005.
In literature, Kenzie is also used as a character's name in several works. One notable example is "The Kenzie Series" by Scottish author Denise Mina, which features a private investigator named Alex Morrow who goes by the nickname Kenz.
Overall, Kenzie is a strong and unique name with a rich history behind it. Its meaning of "handsome" or "attractive" makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Kenzie saw a significant rise in popularity over time, with the number of births peaking at 1328 in 2014 before declining to 523 in 2023. The most notable spikes occurred between 2007 and 2014, indicating increased usage during this period. However, there was a steady decrease after 2016, suggesting the name's popularity may have begun to wane. Overall, Kenzie has been given to over 20,500 newborns since records began in 1970.