Kendall is a unisex given name of English origin. It was originally an occupational surname given to individuals who worked as large animal handlers or cattle farmers. The name comes from the Middle English word 'kenel', which means 'large dog' or 'guardian of dogs'. Over time, Kendall has evolved into a popular first name for both boys and girls.
The meaning of the name Kendall is associated with power and protection. In some interpretations, it signifies someone who is strong, reliable, and devoted to their responsibilities. The name may also suggest an individual who is courageous and capable of handling challenges with ease.
Historically, Kendall has been used as a given name since the mid-20th century, but it gained significant popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s for girls. This trend can be attributed to the fame of American model and television personality, Kathy Ireland, who chose Kendall as the first name for her daughter born in 1996. As a result, the name Kendall has become increasingly popular among parents looking for unique yet familiar options for their baby girls.
In recent years, Kendall Jenner, an American supermodel and member of the famous Kardashian-Jenner family, has further popularized the name by using it as her middle name. While this may have contributed to its ongoing popularity for girls, Kendall remains a unisex name with historical roots tracing back to medieval England.
In summary, Kendall is a versatile given name of English origin that has evolved from an occupational surname. Its meaning is associated with power and protection, making it suitable for individuals who embody strength, reliability, and courage. With its historic roots dating back to the Middle Ages, Kendall continues to be a popular choice among parents today seeking distinctive yet familiar names for their children.
The name Kendall has been quite popular in the United States over the past century, with a total of 35,022 babies given this name since 1906. However, its popularity has varied greatly from year to year.
In the early 20th century, there were fewer than 10 births each year with the name Kendall. It wasn't until the late 1940s and early 1950s that we started seeing more than 100 births per year for this name. In fact, in 1956 alone, there were a remarkable 306 babies named Kendall!
The peak of popularity for Kendall came in the mid-1980s to late 1990s. There were over 900 births each year between 1990 and 1997, with a high of 965 births in 1993. However, since then, there has been a steady decline in the number of babies named Kendall.
In recent years, the popularity of Kendall has continued to decrease. In 2020, only 188 babies were named Kendall, and in 2021, that number fell further to 163 births. Despite this decline, Kendall remains a timeless name with a rich history in the United States.
It's interesting to note that while Kendall was more commonly given to boys in its early years of popularity, it has since become more popular for girls. In fact, according to data from the Social Security Administration, between 2010 and 2021, over 97% of babies named Kendall were girls.
Overall, the name Kendall has had an intriguing journey throughout the decades in terms of its popularity and usage. While it may not be as popular today as it once was, it remains a unique and memorable choice for parents looking to give their child a distinctive name with a rich history.