Kenny is a surname, a

given name A given name (also known as a forename or first name) is the part of a personal name quoted in that identifies a person, potentially with a middle name as well, and differentiates that person from the other members of a group (typically a ...

, and a diminutive of several different given names. In

Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...

, the surname is an Anglicisation of the

Irish Irish may refer to: Common meanings * Someone or something of, from, or related to: ** Ireland, an island situated off the north-western coast of continental Europe ***Éire, Irish language name for the isle ** Northern Ireland, a constituent unit ...

''Ó Cionnaith'', also spelt ''Ó Cionnaoith'' and ''Ó Cionaodha'', meaning "descendant of Cionnaith". It was once popular in the 16th-century in

Leinster Leinster ( ; ga, Laighin or ) is one of the provinces of Ireland, situated in the southeast and east of Ireland. The province comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Meath, Leinster and Osraige. Following the 12th-century Norman invasion of ...

, Munster, parts of

Connacht Connacht ( ; ga, Connachta or ), is one of the provinces of Ireland, in the west of Ireland. Until the ninth century it consisted of several independent major Gaelic kingdoms ( Uí Fiachrach, Uí Briúin, Uí Maine, Conmhaícne, and Del ...

and in

County Tyrone County Tyrone (; ) is one of the six counties of Northern Ireland, one of the nine counties of Ulster and one of the thirty-two traditional counties of Ireland. It is no longer used as an administrative division for local government but retai ...

Ulster Ulster (; ga, Ulaidh or ''Cúige Uladh'' ; sco, label= Ulster Scots, Ulstèr or ''Ulster'') is one of the four traditional Irish provinces. It is made up of nine counties: six of these constitute Northern Ireland (a part of the United Kin ...

, and was Anglicised as O'Kenna, O'Kenny, O'Kinney, Kenna, Kenny, and Kinney amongst other variations. One bearer of the name was

Cainnech of Aghaboe Cainnech of Aghaboe (515/16–600), also known as Saint Canice in Ireland, Saint Kenneth in Scotland, Saint Kenny and in Latin Sanctus Canicus, was an Irish abbot, monastic founder, priest and missionary during the early medieval period. Cainn ...

, better known in English as Saint Canice - a sixth-century Irish priest and missionary from near Dungiven, after whom the city and county of Kilkenny is also named. The Irish form ''Cill Chainnigh'' means "Church of Canice". It is thought that the ''Ó Cionnaith'' sept was part of the Uí Maine kingdom, based in

. Within this area, the name is associated traditionally with counties

Galway Galway ( ; ga, Gaillimh, ) is a city in the West of Ireland, in the province of Connacht, which is the county town of County Galway. It lies on the River Corrib between Lough Corrib and Galway Bay, and is the sixth most populous city on ...

and

Roscommon Roscommon (; ) is the county town and the largest town in County Roscommon in Ireland. It is roughly in the centre of Ireland, near the meeting of the N60, N61 and N63 roads. The name Roscommon is derived from Coman mac Faelchon who buil ...

. Kenny is ranked at number 76 in the list of the most common surnames in Ireland. Other spellings include O'Kenny, Kenney, Kennie, Kinnie and Kinny. The given name, Kenny, is most often used as a short form of the name

Kenneth Kenneth is an English given name and surname. The name is an Anglicised form of two entirely different Gaelic personal names: ''Cainnech'' and '' Cináed''. The modern Gaelic form of ''Cainnech'' is ''Coinneach''; the name was derived from a byn ...

and a diminutive form of

Ken Ken or KEN may refer to: Entertainment * ''Ken'' (album), a 2017 album by Canadian indie rock band Destroyer. * ''Ken'' (film), 1964 Japanese film. * ''Ken'' (magazine), a large-format political magazine. * Ken Masters, a main character in ...

Given name

(515/516–600), also known as Saint Kenny, Irish saint, abbot, monastic founder, priest and missionary *

Kenny Adeleke Andrew Kehinde "Kenny" Adeleke (born February 10, 1983) is a Nigerian-American professional basketball player who has played 12 seasons in the NBA, Europe, Asia, and Latin America. In 2006–07 he was the top rebounder in the Israel Basketball P ...

(born 1983), Nigerian basketball player *

Kenny Anderson (basketball) Kenneth Anderson (born October 9, 1970) is an American former professional basketball player. After a college career at Georgia Tech, he played point guard professionally from 1991 to 2006, mostly in the National Basketball Association. Early ...

(born 1970), retired basketball player *

Kenny Athiu Kenjok "Kenny" Athiu (born 5 August 1992) is a South Sudanese professional footballer who plays as a forward for Cambodian Premier League club Visakha and the South Sudan national football team. Club career Youth Athiu joined South Springvale ...

, association footballer *

Kenny Baker (English actor) Kenneth George Baker (24 August 1934 – 13 August 2016) was an English actor, comedian and musician. He portrayed the character R2-D2 in the ''Star Wars'' franchise and also appeared in '' The Elephant Man'', '' Time Bandits'', ''Willow'', ''F ...

(1934–2016), English actor, best known to portray

R2-D2 R2-D2 () or Artoo-Detoo is a fictional robot character in the ''Star Wars'' franchise created by George Lucas. He has appeared in ten of the eleven theatrical ''Star Wars'' films to date. At various points throughout the course of the films, R2, ...

in the Star Wars franchise. *

Kenny Ball Kenneth Daniel Ball (22 May 1930Larkin C., ''Virgin Encyclopedia of Sixties Music''. (Muze UK Ltd, 1997), p. 29; ) – 7 March 2013) was an English jazz musician, best known as the bandleader, lead trumpet player and vocalist in Kenny Ball and ...

(1930–2013), English jazz musician *

Kenny Bell Kenny Bell (born February 25, 1992) is a former American football wide receiver. He played college football at Nebraska and was drafted by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Early years Bell attended Fairview Hi ...

(born 1992), American football player *

Kenny Bernstein Kenneth Dale Bernstein (born September 6, 1944) is an American drag racer and former NASCAR and IndyCar team owner. He is nicknamed the "Bud King" for his success in the Budweiser King funny car and dragster. He has also been nicknamed the ...

(born 1944), NHRA driver *

Kenny Black Kenneth George Black (born 29 November 1963) is a Scottish football manager and former player who spent most of his career with Heart of Midlothian and Airdrieonians. Playing career A left-sided defender or midfielder, Black began his playin ...

(born 1963), Scottish footballer *

Kenny Booker Kenneth Arnold Booker (born November 20, 1948) is an American former professional basketball player. He played college basketball for the UCLA Bruins from 1969 to 1971, winning a national championship in each of his two seasons of play. He played ...

, American basketball player *

Kenny Bräck Kenny Bräck (born 21 March 1966) is a Swedish former race car driver. Until his retirement from racing, he competed in the CART, Indy Racing League and the IROC series. He won the 1998 Indy Racing League championship and the 1999 Indianapolis ...

(born 1966), former Swedish IndyCar driver *

Kenny Chesney Kenneth Arnold Chesney (born March 26, 1968) is an American country music singer, songwriter, and guitarist. He has recorded more than 20 albums and has produced more than 40 Top 10 singles on the US ''Billboard'' Hot Country Songs and Country ...

(born 1968), American country music singer, songwriter and record producer *

Kenny Clarke Kenneth Clarke Spearman (January 9, 1914January 26, 1985), nicknamed Klook, was an American jazz drummer and bandleader. A major innovator of the bebop style of drumming, he pioneered the use of the ride cymbal to keep time rather than the hi-ha ...

(1914–1985), American jazz drummer and bandleader * Kenny Dalglish, Scottish soccer player and manager *

Kenny Delmar Kenneth Howard Delmar (born Kenneth Frederick Fay Howard,
''

(1910–1984), American actor and voice artist *

Kenny Dillingham Kenny Dillingham (born April 28, 1990) is an American football coach who is currently the head coach at Arizona State Sun Devils football, Arizona State University. He previously served as the offensive coordinator at the Oregon Ducks football, U ...

(born 1990), American football coach *

Kenny Dykstra Kenneth George Doane (born March 16, 1986) is an American retired professional wrestler signed to WWE as a producer and as a trainer at the WWE Performance Center. During his past time in WWE, he was known as Kenny Dykstra and Kenny as a membe ...

, American professional wrestler *

Kenny Easley Kenneth Mason Easley Jr. (born January 15, 1959) is an American former professional football player who was a strong safety in the National Football League (NFL) for seven seasons during the 1980s. He played college football for the UCLA Brui ...

, American football player *

Kenny Easterday Kenneth Easterday (December 7, 1973 – February 12, 2016) was an American man born with the rare disability, Caudal regression syndrome, sacral agenesis. To improve his mobility, his legs were amputated at the hip when he was six months old. Li ...

(1973–2016), American man with sacral agenesis, known as "Man with half a body" *

Kenny Edwards (rugby league) Kenny Edwards (born 13 September 1989) is a New Zealand professional rugby league footballer who plays as a forward for the Castleford Tigers in the Betfred Super League. He previously played for the Parramatta Eels in the NRL, and the Catala ...

(born 1989), New Zealand Rugby League player *

Kenny Everett Kenny Everett (born Maurice James Christopher Cole; 25 December 1944 – 4 April 1995) was an English comedian, radio disc jockey and television presenter. After spells on pirate radio and Radio Luxembourg in the mid-1960s, he was one of the fi ...

(1944–1995), English disc-jockey and comedian *

Kenny Fields Kenneth Henry Fields (born February 9, 1962) is an American former professional basketball player who was selected by the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round (21st pick overall) of the 1984 NBA draft. A 6'5" guard-forward from UCLA, Fields played i ...

(born 1962), American basketball player *

Kenny Golladay Kenneth Golladay (born November 3, 1993) is an American football wide receiver for the New York Giants of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at North Dakota and Northern Illinois and was drafted by the Detroit Lions ...

(born 1993), American football player *

Kenny Håkansson Kenny Håkansson is a Swedish musician, best known as the bassist for the Hellacopters. The Hellacopters were founded by Håkansson's childhood friend Nicke Andersson as a side project to his role as a drummer in the heavy metal band Entombed. ...

, Swedish musician *

Kenny Heitz Kenneth Robert Heitz (June 25, 1947 – July 9, 2012) was an American basketball player and lawyer, attorney. He won three collegiate NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship, national championships at UCLA Bruins men's basketball, UCLA from ...

(1947–2012), American basketball player *

Kenny Hotz Kenneth Joel Hotz (born May 3, 1967) is a Canadian comedy writer, producer, entertainer and television personality. He is best known as the star of the reality comedy show '' Kenny vs. Spenny'' alongside Spencer Rice. Hotz is the creator of the ...

, Canadian filmmaker and star of ''Kenny vs. Spenny'' *

Kenny Hughes Kenneth Hughes is an actor, dancer, director and writer working in film, TV and stage internationally. He should not be confused with Ken Hughes (the now-deceased director of such movies as '' Chitty Chitty Bang Bang''). Performance and Biog ...

, actor, dancer, director and writer *

Kenny Irwin Jr. Kenneth Dale Irwin Jr. (August 5, 1969 – July 7, 2000) was an American stock car racing driver. He had driven in all three NASCAR national touring series, and had two total victories, both in the Craftsman Truck Series (today Camping World Tru ...

, former NASCAR driver *

Kenny Jackett Kenneth Francis Jackett (born 5 January 1962) is a former professional football player and manager, who is currently Director of Football at club Gillingham. A skilful left-footed player, able to play in defence or midfield, Jackett was cappe ...

, English football player and manager * Kenny W. James, American voice actor *

Kenny Kadji Kenneth Kadji (born May 19, 1988) is a Cameroonian professional basketball player who last played for Hapoel Holon of the Israeli Basketball Premier League. He played college basketball for the University of Florida and University of Miami. Hig ...

(born 1988), Cameroonian basketball player in the Israeli Basketball Premier League *

Kenny Koplove Kenneth Scott Koplove (born August 2, 1993) is an American right-handed professional baseball pitcher who has played internationally with the Israel national baseball team and is currently a free agent. In high school, as a senior Koplove was nam ...

, American baseball player *

Kenny Lawler Kenneth James Lawler, Jr. (born June 25, 1994) is a professional gridiron football wide receiver for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League (CFL). He was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the seventh round, 243rd overall, of ...

(born 1994), American football player *

Kenny Layne Kenneth Layne (born July 22, 1981) is an American Professional wrestling, professional wrestler, actor, dancer, and television personality better known by his ring name, Kenny King. He currently wrestles for Impact Wrestling, where he is a member ...

(born 1981), American professional wrestler known also by ring-name Kenny King * Kenny Liu, member of Mandopop boy band

Top Combine Top Combine is a Mandopop boy band. The group formed in 2007 with the members Bird Zhang, Mars Ma, Kenny Liu, Caesar Li, and Tanas Kim. All were professionally trained in singing, dancing, modeling, and language. With the exception of Tanas, the ot ...

Kenny Lofton Kenneth Lofton (born May 31, 1967) is an American former Major League Baseball (MLB) center fielder. Lofton was a six-time All-Star (1994–1999), four-time Gold Glove Award winner (1993–1996), and at retirement, was ranked 15th amon ...

, baseball outfielder *

Kenny Loggins Kenneth Clark Loggins (born January 7, 1948) is an American guitarist, singer and songwriter. His early songs were recorded with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band in 1970, which led to seven albums recorded as Loggins and Messina from 1972 to 1977. His ...

(born 1948), American singer and songwriter *

Kenny Lowe Kenny Lowe (born 6 November 1961) is an English association football manager and former player. He is the current manager of Australian side Perth RedStar. Kenny played for ten clubs in England, and had a stint in Australia also. He later mana ...

, English football manager * Kenny Mayne, American sports journalist *

Kenny Middlemiss Kenny Middlemiss (also known as Ken and Kenneth Middlemiss; born 19 June 1964) is a former Scottish people, Scottish badminton player. Kenny, is a 20-times National champion and has won 155 caps for the Scotland in badminton, highest ever by any ...

(born 1964), Scottish badminton player *

Kenny Miller Kenneth Miller (born 23 December 1979) is a Scottish professional football coach and former player. Miller, who played as a striker, is one of only five post-war players to have played for both Rangers and Celtic. Miller began his career at ...

, Scottish footballer *

Kenny Moore Kenneth Clark Moore (December 1, 1943 – May 4, 2022) was an American Olympic road running athlete and journalist. He ran the marathon at the 1968 and 1972 Summer Olympics, finishing fourth at the latter. Early life Moore was born in Portland ...

, American athlete *

Kenny Moore (American football) Kenneth Moore Jr. (born August 23, 1995) is an American football cornerback for the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Valdosta State, and signed with the New England Patriots as an undraf ...

, American football player *

Kenny O'Dell Kenneth Guy Gist Jr. (June 21, 1944 – March 27, 2018), known as Kenny O'Dell, was an American country music singer and songwriter, best known for writing the number-one country hits " Behind Closed Doors" (recorded by Charlie Rich, 1973) and ...

(1944–2018), American country music singer and songwriter *

Kenny Okoro Chibuikem Kenneth Okoro (born October 18, 1989) is an American football cornerback who is currently a free agent. He played college football at Wake Forest University and attended James B. Dudley High School in Greensboro, North Carolina. He has ...

, American football player *

Kenny Omega Tyson Smith (born October 16, 1983), better known by the ring name Kenny Omega, is a Canadian-born professional wrestler. Omega is an executive vice president of All Elite Wrestling (AEW), in which he also performs. Omega is a former one-ti ...

(born 1982), ring name of Canadian-born professional wrestler Tyson Smith *

Kenny Ortega Kenneth John Ortega (born April 18, 1950) is an American filmmaker, touring manager, and choreographer. He is known for directing the films '' Newsies'', '' Hocus Pocus'', ''The Cheetah Girls 2'', ''High School Musical'', '' Michael Jackson's T ...

(born 1950), film director and producer *

Kenny Perry James Kenneth Perry (born August 10, 1960) is an American professional golfer who currently plays on the PGA Tour Champions. He won 14 PGA Tour events and has won nine PGA Tour Champions events including four senior major championships: the 201 ...

, American professional golfer *

Kenny Price Kenny is a surname, a given name, and a diminutive of several different given names. In Ireland, the surname is an Anglicisation of the Irish language, Irish ''Ó Cionnaith'', also spelt ''Ó Cionnaoith'' and ''Ó Cionaodha'', meaning "descendant ...

(1931–1987), American country music singer-songwriter *

Kenny Roberts Kenneth Leroy Roberts (born December 31, 1951, in Modesto, California) is an American former professional motorcycle racer and racing team owner. In 1978, he became the first American to win a Grand Prix motorcycle racing world championship ...

, former motorcycle racer * Kenny Robinson, multiple people *

Kenny Rogers Kenneth Ray Rogers (August 21, 1938 – March 20, 2020) was an American singer, songwriter, and actor. He was inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Rogers was particularly popular with country audiences but also charted m ...

(1938–2020), American country music singer-songwriter, guitarist and record producer *

Kenny Sebastian Kenneth Mathew Sebastian (born 31 December 1990) is an Indian stand-up comedian, musician and filmmaker. He first rose to prominence through a YouTube channel that broadcasts clips of his stand-up shows, devotional song covers, in addition to o ...

, Indian comedian *

Kenny Stucker Kenny Stucker (born June 11, 1970) is a former American football placekicker who played seven seasons in the Arena Football League with the Milwaukee Mustangs, Chicago Rush, New York Dragons and Tampa Bay Storm. He played college football at ...

, (born 1970) American football player *

Kenny Taylor (basketball) Kenny Bernard Taylor (born December 6, 1982) is an American former professional basketball player for the Akita Northern Happinets of the Japanese bj league. He played college basketball for Baylor University and University of Texas. College s ...

, (born 1992) basketball player for the Akita Northern Happinets of Japan *

Kenny Tran Phuong "Kenny" Tran is a Vietnamese American professional poker player from Arcadia, California who won the 2008 World Series of Poker $10,000 Heads-Up No-Limit Hold'em World Championship. Tran was born in Vietnam and gives 10% of his winnings ...

, a professional Vietnamese American poker player *

Kenny Vaccaro Kenneth Dwayne Vaccaro (born February 15, 1991) is a former American football safety who played in the National Football League and founder and CEO of the Gamers First organization. They have teams in ''Halo'' and other major Esport titles. He w ...

(born 1991), American football player *

Kenny Wallace Kenneth Lee Wallace (born August 23, 1963) is an American race car driver and former reporter for Fox NASCAR. He retired from NASCAR in 2015 after driving in the national series since 1988. In a career spanning twenty-five years in NASCAR, Wallace ...

(born 1974), American NASCAR driver *

Kenny Washington (basketball) Kenneth Washington is an American retired basketball player and coach. As a player, he won two national championships playing college basketball with the UCLA Bruins and represented the United States national team in the 1970 FIBA World Champion ...

, American basketball player and coach *

Kenny Willekes Kenny Willekes (born July 22, 1997) is an American football defensive end for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Michigan State. Early years Willekes attended NorthPointe Christian High S ...

(born 1997), American football player *

Kenny Wooten Kenneth Wooten Jr. (born April 17, 1998) is an American professional basketball player for the Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Oregon Ducks. Early life and high school career Wooten was born and grew up in ...

(born 1998), American basketball player *

Kenny Yeboah Kenneth Yeboah (born October 30, 1998) is an American football tight end for the New York Jets of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Temple and Ole Miss. Early years Yeboah was born in Providence, Rhode Island. ...

(born 1998), American football player *

Kenny Young (American football) Kenneth Kim Young (born November 15, 1995) is an American football linebacker who is a free agent. He played college football at UCLA, and was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens in the fourth round of the 2018 NFL Draft. He has also previously pla ...

(born 1994) American football player

Surname

* Anthony Kenny (born 1931), English philosopher *

Bernard Kenny Bernard F. Kenny Jr. (born November 17, 1946, in Jersey City, New Jersey) is an American Democratic Party politician, who represented the 33rd Legislative District in the New Jersey State Senate from 1993 to 2008, after serving in the New Jers ...

(born 1946), American politician *

Bill Kenny (Australian footballer) William John Kenny (30 July 1897 – 29 December 1978) was an Australian rules footballer who played with South Melbourne in the Victorian Football League The Victorian Football League (VFL) is an Australian rules football league in Aus ...

(born 1897), Australian rules footballer *

Bill Kenny (English footballer) Bill Kenny is an English retired professional soccer forward who played at least one season in the American Soccer League. In 1977, he scored seven goals in twenty games for the Cleveland Cobras The Cleveland Stars were an American soccer clu ...

, played at least one season in the American Soccer League *

Bill Kenny (singer) William Francis Kenny Jr. (June 12, 1914 – March 23, 1978) was an American vocalist with a wide vocal range spanning four octaves. Often regarded as one of the most influential high-tenor singers of all time, Kenny was noted for his "bell-like" ...

(1914–1978), African-American singer with The Ink Spots *

Brett Kenny Brett "Bert" Edward Kenny (born 16 March 1961) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1980s and 1990s. He was a and for the Australian national team and New South Wales Blues representative sides, and ...

, Australian rugby league footballer *

Brian Kenny (disambiguation) Brian Kenny may refer to: * Brian Kenny (artist) (born 1982), American multimedia artist *Brian Kenny (British Army officer) General Sir Brian Leslie Graham Kenny (18 June 1934 – 19 June 2017) was a senior British Army officer, who served as ...

Charles Kenny Charles Francis Kenny (June 23, 1898 – January 20, 1992) was an American composer, lyricist, author, and violinist. His hit songs include "There's a Gold Mine in the Sky", "Love Letters in the Sand", "Laughing at Life", and "Because It's Your ...

(1898–1992), American composer and lyricist * Charles Kenny (cricketer) (1929–96), English *

David Kenny (disambiguation) David Kenny may refer to: * David Kenny (footballer, born 1891) (1891–1978), Scottish footballer (Grimsby Town) * David Kenny (footballer, born 1962), Scottish footballer (Partick Thistle) * David Kenny (journalist), Irish journalist, author a ...

Enda Kenny Enda Kenny (born 24 April 1951) is an Irish former Fine Gael politician who served as Taoiseach from 2011 to 2017, Leader of Fine Gael from 2002 to 2017, Minister for Defence from May to July 2014 and 2016 to 2017, Leader of the Opposition from ...

(born 1951), Irish politician, leader of Fine Gael and Taoiseach *

Enda Kenny (singer) Enda Kenny is an Irish-born Australian folk-singer and songwriter. Kenny was born in Dublin, and migrated to Melbourne in 1987. He released his debut album, ''Twelve Songs'', in 1994. Though self-recorded and self-released, the album received gen ...

, Irish-born Australian folksinger and songwriter *

Elizabeth Kenny Sister Elizabeth Kenny (20 September 1880 – 30 November 1952) was a self-trained Australian bush nurse who developed an approach to treating polio that was controversial at the time. Her method, promoted internationally while working in Austra ...

(1880–1952), unaccredited Australian nurse whose controversial treatment of polio victims became the foundation of physical therapy *

Gerard Kenny Gerard W. Kenny (born July 8, 1947, New York City, United States) is an American singer-songwriter, based in London, England. In 1981, he received the Ivor Novello Award for Best Television Theme Music for his song "I Could Be So Good for You", ...

, British-based American composer, pianist and singer *

Henry Kenny Henry Frances Kenny (7 September 1913 – 25 September 1975) was an Irish Fine Gael politician who served as Minister of State at the Department of Finance from 1973 to 1975. He served as a Teachta Dála (TD) from 1954 to 1975. He was the fathe ...

(1913–1975), Irish politician and Gaelic footballer *

Henry Kenny (Australian politician) Henry Edward Kenny (1 March 1853 – 25 August 1899) was an Australian newspaper proprietor and politician who was a member of the Western Australian Legislative Assembly, Legislative Assembly of Western Australia from 1897 to 1899, representing ...

(1853–1899) *

Henry Edward Kenny Henry Edward Kenny VC ( ga, Annraoi Éamonn Ó Cionnaith; 27 July 1888 – 6 May 1979), was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British ...

(1888–1979), British soldier awarded the Victoria Cross *

J. E. Kenny Joseph Edward Kenny (1845 – 9 April 1900) was an Irish physician, Coroner of the City of Dublin, nationalist politician and Member of Parliament (MP). In the House of Commons of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland, he was an Iris ...

, Irish politician *

James Kenny (photographer) James Kenny is a professional photographer based in the United Kingdom, best known for his fashion, celebrity portrait, and documentary work. Biography Kenny was born and raised in Cambridgeshire Cambridgeshire (abbreviated Cambs.) is a ...

, British photographer *

James C. Kenny James Casey Kenny (born 1953) is a Chicago businessman who served as United States Ambassador to Ireland from 2003 to 2006. Career Kenny received his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinoi ...

, former US ambassador to Ireland *

Jason Kenny Sir Jason Francis Kenny, (born 23 March 1988) is an English former track cyclist, specialising in the individual and team sprints. Kenny is the holder of most Olympic gold medals (7) and medals (9) for a British athlete. His wife, Laura Ke ...

(born 1988), English cyclist *

Jon Kenny Jonathan Kenny (born 12 December 1957) is an Irish comedian and actor who lives in Lough Gur and is one half of the famous Irish comic duo d'Unbelievables with Pat Shortt.

, Irish comedian and actor *

Laura Kenny Dame Laura Rebecca Kenny, Lady Kenny ( Trott; born 24 April 1992) is a British track and road cyclist who specialises in track endurance events, specifically the team pursuit, omnium, scratch race, elimination race and madison disciplines. Wi ...

(born 1992), British track and road cyclist *

Lawrence Kenny Laurence J. Kenny (not Father Lawrence Kenny (August 19, 1896 - January 1977) Father Laurence J. Kenny (October 12, 1864 Zaleski, Vinton County, OH, - December 28, 1958 Lemay, St. Louis County, MO), the son of Thomas Kenny and Margaret Hayes both ...

, Catholic priest and exorcist *

Mark Kenny Marc Kenny (born 17 September 1973) is an Irish former footballer. Kenny was captain of the Home Farm schoolboys team that got into the Guinness Book of Records for going six seasons without a defeat. A Republic of Ireland national under-17 ...

, former Irish footballer *

Matthew Joseph Kenny Matthew Joseph Kenny (1 February 1861 – 8 December 1942) was an Irish lawyer and Nationalist politician from County Clare. He was elected to the United Kingdom House of Commons at the age of 21, qualified as a barrister whilst still a mem ...

, Irish politician from Clare *

Maurice Kenny Maurice Frank Kenny (August 16, 1929 – April 16, 2016) was an American poet who identified as Mohawk descent. Life Maurice Frank Kenny was born on August 16, 1929, in Watertown, New York. He identified his father as being of Mohawk and Iris ...

(born 1929), Mohawk poet * Mecury Kenny (born 1979), Zimbabwean cricketer *

Michael Kenny (disambiguation) Michael Kenny may refer to: *Michael Kenny (boxer) (born 1964), New Zealand boxer *Michael Kenny (sculptor) (1941–1999), English sculptor *Michael Kenny (political scientist), professor of public policy at the University of Cambridge *Michael Daed ...

, includes some Michaels better known as Mick or Mike * Mick Kenny (Kilkenny hurler) (died 2003) *

Mike Kenny (writer) 2017 Mike Kenny (born in the Welsh borders, with a Welsh mother) is one of England’s leading writers specialising in young people’s theatre. He was included in the Independent on Sunday’s list of Top Ten Living Playwrights and his plays are ...

, British playwright *

Nick Kenny (poet) Nicholas Aloysius Kenny (February 3, 1895 in Astoria, New York - December 1, 1975 in Sarasota, Florida) was a syndicated newspaper columnist, a song lyricist and a poet who wrote light verse in the Edgar Guest tradition. Biography Born in Quee ...

(1895–1975), US columnist, lyricist & poet *

Nick Kenny (rugby league) Nick Kenny (born 13 July 1982) is an Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 2000s and 2010s for the Brisbane Broncos club in the National Rugby League The National Rugby League (NRL) is an Australasian r ...

, Australian rugby league player * Paddy Kenny, British-born Irish footballer *

Paddy Kenny (hurler) Paddy Kenny (1929–2004) was an Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Borrisoleigh and with the Tipperary senior inter-county team in the 1940s and 1950s. Kenny is regarded as one of Tipperary's greatest-ever players. ...

, Irish hurler *

Pat Kenny Patrick Kenny (born 29 January 1948) is an Irish broadcaster, who currently hosts the daily radio show ''The Pat Kenny Show'' on Newstalk and the current affairs show ''Pat Kenny Tonight'' on Virgin Media One. Prior to this, Kenny had a 41-yea ...

(born 1948), Irish broadcaster *

Seán Kenny (hurler) Seán Kenny (1923 – 24 April 2002) was an Irish people, Irish sportsperson. He played hurling with his local club Borris–Ileigh GAA, Borris–Ileigh and was a member of the Tipperary GAA, Tipperary senior inter-county team in the 1940s and ...

, Irish hurler * Stephen Kenny (footballer), Irish football manager *

Tom Kenny Thomas James Kenny (born July 13, 1962) is an American actor and comedian. He is known for voicing the titular character in ''SpongeBob SquarePants'' and associated media. Kenny has voiced many other characters, including Heffer Wolfe in '' ...

(born 1962), American voice actor and comedian best-known as the voice of SpongeBob SquarePants *

Tom Kenny (hurler) Thomas Kenny (born 16 July 1981) is an Irish hurling coach and hurler who plays for Cork Intermediate Championship club Grenagh. He played for the Cork senior hurling team for 10 years, during which time he usually lined out at midfield bef ...

, Irish hurler * William Kenny (disambiguation)

Fictional characters

* Kenny (''Beyblade''), in the anime and manga series ''Beyblade'' * Kenny (''Tomorrow People''), in the 1970s science fiction series ''The Tomorrow People'' * Kenny Ackerman, a character from '' Attack on Titan'' * Kenny Chang, in the British web series ''

Corner Shop Show ''Corner Shop Show'' is a British comedy drama web series that premiered on YouTube in March 2014. The series is created by Islah Abdur-Rahman and consists of continuous episodes uploaded on his YouTube channel CornerShopShow, following the adv ...

''. *

Kenny McCormick Kenneth "Kenny" McCormick is a fictional character and one of the four main characters in the adult animated television series ''South Park'' along with Stan Marsh, Kyle Broflovski, and Eric Cartman. His often muffled and incomprehensible speech ...

, a character from the TV series '' South Park'' *

Kenny Powers (character) Kenny Powers is a fictional world famous baseball player in the HBO television comedy series '' Eastbound & Down'', played by Danny McBride. He is portrayed as a once dominant baseball pitcher, whose poor work ethic, ego, and short temper jeopard ...

, the protagonist of the HBO series ''Eastbound and Down'' * Kenny Rossmore, a character in the 2013 American crime comedy movie ''

We're the Millers ''We're the Millers'' is a 2013 American crime comedy film directed by Rawson M. Thurber and starring Jason Sudeikis, Jennifer Aniston, Emma Roberts, Will Poulter, Nick Offerman, Kathryn Hahn, Molly Quinn, and Ed Helms. The film's screenplay wa ...

'' * Kenny Smyth, a corporate bathroom plumber in the 2006 film ''Kenny'' *

Kenny Wangler Kenny "Bricks" Wangler is a fictional character in the HBO drama '' Oz'', played by actor J. D. Williams. Character overview "Prisoner #97W566. Convicted July 6, 1997 - murder in the first degree (16 years old tried as an adult). Sentence: 20 ye ...

, an African-American drug addict in the HBO drama ''Oz'' * Kenny, in the movie '' Let Me In'' * Kenny, in the episodic video game series '' The Walking Dead: Season One'' * Kenny the Shark, from ''

Kenny the Shark ''Kenny the Shark'' is an American animated television series produced by Discovery Kids. The series was first premiered on Discovery Kids' Saturday morning block on NBC on November 1, 2003, and ended with the last episode on February 19, 2005. ...

'' *

Kenny Kenny is a surname, a given name, and a diminutive of several different given names. In Ireland, the surname is an Anglicisation of the Irish ''Ó Cionnaith'', also spelt ''Ó Cionnaoith'' and ''Ó Cionaodha'', meaning "descendant of Cionnaith" ...

(Kouji), from ''

Stitch! is a Japanese anime television series. It is a spin-off of Disney's ''Lilo & Stitch'' franchise, serving as the franchise's second television series after '' Lilo & Stitch: The Series''. The anime series aired in Japan from October 20 ...

References

* Genealogies of Kenny and Lysaght by Cecil Stacpoole Kenny 1915, NLI, Dublin, Ireland {{given name, type=both English masculine given names English-language surnames Masculine given names Hypocorisms Surnames of Irish origin Anglicised Irish-language surnames

Given name

Surname

Fictional characters

See also

References