What Is Ken Doll’s Real Name? Mattel Reveals Barbie’s Iconic Beau’s Backstory Ahead of His 65th Birthday

Mattel’s Ken Doll, first introduced in 1961, has remained a pop culture icon for more than six decades. With his signature coiffed hair and ever-evolving persona, Ken has consistently sparked fascination among fans worldwide—often described today as pure “Kenergy.” As Barbie’s longtime partner prepares to mark his 65th birthday, renewed interest has surfaced around his origins, including the long-discussed question of his real name.

Over the years, Ken has worn many identities. From being Barbie’s devoted beau for decades to gaining renewed global attention through Ryan Gosling’s portrayal in the Barbie movie, the character has continued to evolve with changing times. Now, as Mattel hints that Ken is ready to explore “what else is out there,” fans are revisiting the roots of the beloved doll.

So, what is Ken’s real name? Much like Barbie, whose name was inspired by Barbara Handler—the daughter of Mattel co-founders Ruth and Elliot Handler—Ken was named after their son, Kenneth Handler. Officially, Ken’s real name is Kenneth Handler, though the doll’s lifestyle differs greatly from the real person who inspired him.

In real life, Kenneth Handler worked as a real-estate investor in New York City. Reflecting on how different he was from the Malibu-perfect doll, he once described the contrast in an interview, stating:
“Ken doll is Malibu. He goes to the beach and surfs. He is all these perfect American things. I played the piano and went to movies with subtitles. I was a nerd — a real nerd. All the girls thought I was a jerk.”

Since their debut, Barbie and Ken have been portrayed as one of the most iconic fictional couples. Ken’s introduction in a 1961 commercial framed their romance as love at first sight. Although the pair briefly split after several years together, Mattel later reunited them in a high-profile campaign ahead of Valentine’s Day 2011. At the time, the brand emphasized their enduring bond, with a spokesperson noting:
“The iconic couple is truly made for each other and this is just the beginning of their next chapter together.”

As Ken approaches his 65th birthday, the character continues to reinvent himself. Recent initiatives include the launch of the Kenbassadors Collection and a collaboration with travel platform Expedia, signaling that even after six decades, Ken’s journey is far from over.