Origin
It is an anglicized (Scots) form of either the Pictish name Ciniod or the Goidelic name Cináed, often thought to mean "fire-head" or "born of fire" (see Áed), but ultimately derives from a shared prototype with Kennedy; Cunedagius, originally Cornish (then indistinct from other Brythonic languages)--after which was carried north to Valentia and borne by Cunedda (Latin Cunetacius), founder of Gwynedd. Its popularity among the Britons also led to another form in Welsh Cenydd or Cennydd (the name of a Welsh hermit saint who traditionally lived in the 6th century).
Similar names have also been anglicized as Kenneth, including the Gaelic Coinneach ("Handsome or Sexy one"; e.g. Cainnech of Aghaboe) and the Old English Cyneath may mean "royal oath", used as a non-Celtic alternative etymology.
English nicknames include Kenny, Kenn and Ken, the latter also being a Japanese name.
Read more about this topic: Kenneth
Famous quotes containing the word origin:
“Good resolutions are useless attempts to interfere with scientific laws. Their origin is pure vanity. Their result is absolutely nil. They give us, now and then, some of those luxurious sterile emotions that have a certain charm for the weak.... They are simply cheques that men draw on a bank where they have no account.”
—Oscar Wilde (1854–1900)
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