Ken: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days represent a cultural tradition, particularly strong in European and Latin American countries, where individuals celebrate the day associated with a saint or religious figure sharing their name. The concise masculine name Ken carries a meaning rooted in handsomeness or fiery strength, depending on its specific lineage. This name projects a strong and reliable mood, suggesting a classic and grounded character. In the United States, those bearing the name Ken often observe their name day on October 11.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Ken's name day is celebrated
on October 11 in the USA.
This name day is 344 days away.
The Story Behind This Name
Ken experienced significant popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, particularly peaking in the 1950s and 1960s. It often functions as a standalone name but is also commonly used as a short form for longer names like Kenneth. While its usage has declined somewhat since its peak decades, Ken remains a recognizable and established American name. Its concise sound appeals to parents looking for a simple, strong naming option. Historically, its rise coincided with a general trend toward shorter, punchier names in post-war America.
Name origin and meaning
The name Ken primarily serves as a shortened form of Kenneth, which has roots in Scottish Gaelic. Kenneth itself stems from either *Cainneach*, meaning "handsome" or "comely," or *Cináed*, meaning "born of fire" or "fiery one." Separately, Ken can also sometimes be a short form for Kendrick, or occasionally derived from Old English elements. In Japanese naming conventions, Ken is a common name element meaning "strong" or "healthy." Thus, the name carries varied etymological interpretations depending on its specific linguistic derivation.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Ken is overwhelmingly classified as a masculine name globally, predominantly used for males in Western countries like the United States and the United Kingdom. It is a classic example of a mononym often derived from a longer male name, reinforcing its traditional male identity. While grammatical or linguistic gender assignment differs in other languages, its English usage is strictly male. There are very rare instances of it appearing as a nickname for a female name like Kendall, but as a given name, it maintains a strong male designation.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Ken projects a distinct mood of reliability and straightforwardness due to its short, decisive sound. It carries a strong, classic tone, suggesting a personality that is practical and grounded rather than overly elaborate. The vibe associated with Ken is often perceived as friendly yet traditional, evoking an image of dependable character. It is neither overly playful nor aggressively futuristic, settling instead into a space of enduring, solid character.
Mirror Magic: Ken & Nek
Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.
See also:
Nek: Name Day, Name Meaning & More Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Ken
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 3 – The Communicator.
Keywords: Creativity, joy, social expression, charisma, inspiration.
Positive Traits: Artistic, optimistic, outgoing, charming, entertaining.
Challenges: Can be superficial, scattered, or struggle with focus and discipline.
Life Path Meaning: A life of creative expression, communication, and optimism.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 3 - The communicator.
Traits: Creative, expressive, social, optimistic.
Strengths: Charismatic, artistic, talented in communication and writing.
Challenges: Can be scattered, superficial, or struggle with discipline.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Jupiter - Expansion, Luck, Wisdom.
Jupiter is the planet of abundance, wisdom, and higher learning. Names ruled by Jupiter are often linked to individuals with a strong sense of optimism, generosity, and a love for adventure. These names carry a vibration of success, good fortune, and the pursuit of knowledge. People with Jupiter-ruled names often have a philosophical mindset and a natural ability to inspire others.
Name days: Name Ken
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 USA | October | 11 | Canice, Kambelyn, Ken, Kendall, Kendra, Kennedy, Kenneth, Kenny, Kent, Kenton, Kim, Kimball, Kimberley, Kimberly, Kimberlyn, Kimi, Tate, Tatum |
Name days: Similar names (Ken)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Sweden | March | 22 | Kennet, Kent |
 Estonia | April | 2 | Ene, Eneken, Enel, Eneli, Enelin |
| USA | April | 15 | Kenya, Octavia, Tavia, Tucker |
 Norway | May | 7 | Mai, Maia, Maiken |
| Sweden | May | 19 | Maj, Majken |
| USA | May | 21 | Adelric, Adiel, Audric, Keaton, Kendrick |
| Estonia | June | 17 | Eugen, Kenno |
 Hungary | July | 15 | Henrik, Roland, Örkény |
 Austria | August | 1 | Alfons, Kenneth, Peter |
| Hungary | September | 25 | Eufrozina, Kende |
| Norway | October | 11 | Kennet, Kent, Kevin |
| USA | October | 26 | Madden, Maddock, Maddox, Mahala, Mahalia, Makenna, Mckenna |
| USA | November | 6 | Mac, Mack, Mackenzie, Makenzie, Mckenzie |
 Latvia | November | 14 | Fricis, Fridrichs, Vikentijs |
 Croatia | December | 22 | Ivan Kentijski, Viktorija |
Ken A Classic Name Profile
As a historically popular American name, Ken peaked in the mid-20th century and continues to stand as a strong, straightforward naming choice. Its primary origin is rooted in Scottish Gaelic, conveying meanings related to being handsome or fiery, underpinning its solid character. Ken is universally recognized as a traditional male name, offering a classic and highly reliable mood. These elements combine to form a simple, enduring identity, with Ken’s name day being celebrated on October 11 in the USA.
When Is Your Name Day?
Discover your name day quickly and easily with our name day search tool. Simply enter your name in the search box below, and you'll instantly see the exact date of your name day celebration. Find out when to celebrate and never miss a special occasion!
