Jennifer,
I recently came across the name Kenley and fell in love with it. I am just concerned if I ever decide to use it if it will clash with my name, Mckenzie?

Thanks!
Mckenzie

Project Runway's Kenley Collins
Project Runway’s Kenley Collins

Hi Mckenzie,

You have to decide if there would be confusion in your household between the names Kenley and Mckenzie. Since they both have the root Ken, and end with the same ee sound, they are very similar names. I also see by your email address that you go by “Kenzie.” Is there a reason you want a name so similar to your own? I usually don’t recommend that children are named after their parents as everyone in the household should have his or her own identity.

Since it sounds like this is theoretical and you are not yet pregnant, I would see what happens when you and your partner are expecting and bring some other names to the list.

Sincerely,
Jennifer

Jennifer Moss (she/her) is the founder of BabyNames.com, author of The Baby Names Workbook, and Producer of The Baby Names Podcast. Jennifer is widely regarded as the leading expert on popular baby name trends and the naming process, serving as the authoritative source on the subject for national and international media.

Jennifer entered the tech arena in the 80s as a software developer and database architect, and became a pioneer in the Internet industry. In addition to operating BabyNames.com, Jennifer owns a web development agency in central California.