Mattel confirms Ken doll’s full name as Kenneth Sean Carson ahead of milestone anniversary

Mattel has confirmed that Barbie’s longtime companion is not simply known as Ken, revealing that the doll’s full name is Kenneth Sean Carson as the brand marks another milestone in the character’s history.

The disclosure comes as Ken approaches his 65th birthday, with Mattel sharing additional biographical details about the doll, including an official birthday of March 11 1961.

According to the company, Ken’s profile has seen renewed attention in recent years, following increased visibility tied to Greta Gerwig’s 2023 film Barbie.

At the 2024 Academy Awards, Ryan Gosling reprised his role as Ken by performing the song I’m Just Ken, a moment that further amplified interest in the character. Mattel later released Ken dolls modelled on Gosling’s portrayal, citing the film as a factor in showing a “different side” of Barbie’s partner.

The company said Ken has “experienced a resurgence in recent years,” though it does not release separate sales figures for Ken dolls. Mattel noted that, on average, children tend to own one Ken doll for every seven Barbies.

Ken was introduced in 1961 and named after Kenneth Handler, the son of Barbie creator Ruth Handler. The original doll featured moulded hair, red swim trunks and a yellow towel.

In a 1989 interview, Kenneth Handler said there were few similarities between himself and the doll, remarking, “Ken doll is Malibu. He goes to the beach and surfs. He is all these perfect American things.”

Over the decades, Ken has appeared in numerous professions, including doctor, pilot, firefighter, lifeguard and Olympic skier. Mattel also confirmed that Ken and Barbie first “met” on the set of their debut television commercial in 1961, later separating in 2004 before reuniting in 2011.

Mattel, founded in 1945, continues to expand the Barbie brand, which has evolved to include dolls representing a wider range of health conditions and experiences. The company’s recent disclosures underline how legacy characters like Ken remain central to its cultural and commercial strategy.