Kenny - Irish Surname Origin & Meaning
Irish form: Ó Cionnaith
Meaning: “fire-born”
Traditional stronghold: Galway, Roscommon
Pronunciation: KEN-ee; Irish Ó Cionnaoith: oh kyun-NEE
History of the Kenny name
The principal Ó Cionnaoith sept belonged to the Uí Maine federation of east Galway and south Roscommon, where the name has remained common for a thousand years. Other unrelated families of the same name arose in Down and in Munster, and in some cases Kenny also absorbed the distinct name Ó Coinnigh. The personal name behind it, Cionaodh (Kenneth), was borne by early Irish and Scottish kings. Kennys spread steadily through Leinster, and by the 19th century the name was strong in Dublin as well as its Connacht homeland. It has been carried into public life by broadcasters, politicians and artists, including a Taoiseach from Mayo.
Variants: Kenney · O'Kenny · Kinney
Famous bearers of the name
- Enda Kenny - Mayo politician who served as Taoiseach from 2011 to 2017, Fine Gael's longest-serving leader.
- Pat Kenny - One of Ireland's best-known broadcasters, host of The Late Late Show from 1999 to 2009.
- Sean Kenny - Tipperary-born stage designer who revolutionised London theatre design with Oliver! in 1960.
Related names from the same part of Ireland: Kelly · O'Connor · Lynch · Murray · Connolly · Brennan · Burke · Flynn