Kent

I've also heard this as a short form of Kenneth.

Kent comes from the Celtic language it means; Cudgel or Staff (long pole as a weapon), Strong right arm (of chieftian or tribe) or bough (main branch of a tree). The Kent was holder of the staff in Celtic meetings. He gave the staff to another person who wanted to address the meeting, as the only people allowed to talk during the meeting was the holder of the staff and the kent.

I have been told that it means "Bright White" rather than just 'a county in England'.