Noah Blackwell

By Noah Blackwell
Modern Naming Trends Expert

Updated on September 06, 2024

Kenai

US Popularity Rank: 1964

Origin: Native American

Meaning: Flat land

Honor the roots of a fading Native American language by choosing Kenai for baby. This gender-neutral gem means "flat lands" in the Dena'ina language, coming from ken being  _"_big flat" and _ken'ey "_two big flats with a river cutback." The Kenai is one of the dialects spoken by the Kahnuht'ana or 'People of the Kenai River' in the Kenai Peninsula Borough in Alaska, which is estimated to be used by fewer than 100 people. Although Kenai isn't a name traditionally given to the native Alaskan people, it is still a beautiful tribute to the community and allows your little one to support the revival of this endangered language and culture.

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