The name Kenny functions as both an Irish surname and a given name, often a diminutive of Kenneth or Ken. As a surname, it's an Anglicisation of the Irish Ó Cionnaith, meaning "descendant of Cionnaith," and was popular in 16th-century Ireland across Leinster, Munster, Connacht, and Ulster, now ranking as the 76th most common surname in the country. A significant historical figure associated with the name is Cainnech of Aghaboe, a 6th-century Irish priest and missionary known as Saint Canice or Saint Kenny, after whom the city and county of Kilkenny are named. Today, Kenny is widely recognized as a given name, borne by numerous notable individuals such as actor Kenny Baker (R2-D2), jazz saxophonist Kenny G, country music singer Kenny Chesney, and Scottish football legend Kenny Dalglish.