Kipling is an unusual and distinctive given name of English origin. It was popularized by the famous author Rudyard Kipling, who was born in India in 1865. Although it is not clear where exactly the name originates from, there are several possible explanations for its meaning.
One theory suggests that Kipling is derived from the surname Kippleing, which is believed to have been brought to England by Norman settlers during the eleventh century. The name may have been derived from an Old Norse personal name, Cippingr or Cipplingr, which means "follower of Cippa" or "son of Cippa". However, this theory is not widely accepted as Kipling was not a common surname until the nineteenth century.
Another theory suggests that Kipling is derived from the Middle English word "kype", which means "to shut tight". This may have been combined with the suffix "-ling", which denotes something small or young. Therefore, Kipling could potentially mean "little shut-in" or "small enclosure".
There is also some evidence to suggest that Kipling was used as a given name in England prior to Rudyard Kipling's birth. For example, there were several people named Kipling living in London during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. However, it is not known whether these individuals took their name from a place or had it passed down through generations.
Despite its unclear origins, Kipling has become synonymous with the famous author Rudyard Kipling. He was born in India while his parents were working as educators for British expatriates. Kipling went on to write some of the most beloved works of literature in English, including "The Jungle Book" and "Kim". His stories have been enjoyed by generations of readers and have had a significant impact on popular culture.
Although Rudyard Kipling did not name himself Kipling, his family name was passed down through several generations before him. It is believed that the name originated in Yorkshire, England, where many people with the surname Kipling can be found today.
In conclusion, Kipling is an unusual given name of English origin whose meaning and origins are somewhat unclear. While some believe it may have been derived from a Norman personal name or Middle English word, others suggest it may simply be a rare family name passed down through generations. Regardless of its origins, Kipling has become closely associated with the famous author Rudyard Kipling and his enduring works of literature.
The name Kipling has seen a varied number of births in the United States over the years, with fluctuations ranging from as few as 5 to as many as 16 newborns in any given year. The peak popularity of the name occurred recently, with 16 babies named Kipling born in both 2016 and 2017. Despite this recent surge in popularity, the total number of births for the name Kipling over time has remained relatively low, with a cumulative total of 383 newborns since 1952. This data reflects the unique and distinctive nature of the name Kipling, which is not among the most common but also not entirely rare.