Monday January 1, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke, editor | Island Social Trends
Kenneth has been given as a first name to baby boys in BC a total of 13,767 times in the past 100 years (1924-2023).
Interestingly it appears that Kenneth was given as a baby’s first name in every year since 1924 *except* 2023.
Perhaps this is the Barbie movie influence? Who would want to be a Ken? 🙂 .
Kenneth Sean “Ken” Carson Jr. is the name of a fashion doll introduced by American toy company Mattel in 1961 as the counterpart of Barbie, who had been introduced two years earlier. Similar to Barbie, Ken is from Willows, Wisconsin and has a fashionable line of clothing and accessories.
In the movie, Ken is disregarded by Barbie until she realizes the value of others in her world.
Barbie dolls — and her counterpart, the Ken dolls — have been some of the most-selling toys of all time.
Mattel states its purpose as empowering the next generation to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential.
The name Kenneth in BC:
Kenneth is the 12th-most given name for boys in BC in the past 100 years, given 13,767 times according to BC Vital Statistics.
The short form Ken has only been given 147 times in the last one hundred years (last time in 2010).
Kenny has been given as a boy’s name 201 times, most recently in 2007.
Kenneth as second name this year:
The first baby born on Vancouver Island in 2024 has Kenneth as a second name.
Ferguson “Gus” Kenneth Ouellet Mitchell was born at Victoria General Hospital at 2:06 am today Monday, January 1, weighing 7 lbs. 8 oz., as stated by Island Health.
“Parents Nadia and Alex and big sister Saoirse are thrilled,” says an Island Health spokesperson.
BC Lottery name betting:
Popular name bets will be available at PlayNow.com until January 31, 2024.
Most popular names for babies born in BC:
In 2023 the most popular name for boys has been Noah, followed by Oliver, Theodore, Liam Jack, Ethan, Leo, Lucas, Owen and Henry. The top boy’s name of all years recorded in BC (since 1924) is Robert, followed by David, Michael and James.
For children born in 2019 who will be registering for a Kindergarten start in September 2024, the top boys names that will show up in classrooms are Oliver, Liam, Lucas, Ethan and Noah.
For girls the top names have been Olivia followed by Emma, Sophia, Charlotte Isla, Ava, Amelia, Chloe, Hazel and Lily. Top girl’s name in BC of all years since 1924 is Jennifer, followed by Sarah, Patricia and Mary.
For children born in 2019 who will be registering for a Kindergarten start in September 2024, the top girls names will show up in classrooms as Olivia, Charlotte, Emma, Ava and Sophia.
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===== ABOUT ISLAND SOCIAL TRENDS:
Island Social Trends is a professional news service that covers news of the west shore, south Vancouver Island, BC and national issues.
Island Social Trends launched entirely online at islandsocialtrends.ca in mid-2020, in the footsteps of its predecessor publications MapleLine Magazine (2008-2010), Sooke Voice News (2011-2013) and West Shore Voice News (2014-2020). The new Island Social Trends print edition will launch in 2024.
Editor and publisher: Mary P Brooke, B.Sc. | ARCHIVES: HEALTH | VANCOUVER ISLAND
Island Social Trends posts daily on X/Twitter @IslandSocTrends for a regional, BC and national audience.