Kendrick is a name of English origin, derived from the Old English word "cynric," which means "powerful leader." The name was borne by several historical figures, most notably King Cynric of Wessex, who ruled in the late sixth century.
The use of Kendrick as a given name is relatively recent, with its popularity growing significantly in the latter half of the twentieth century. It has since become quite common in English-speaking countries such as the United Kingdom and the United States.
Kendrick is often associated with strength and leadership due to its historical roots. It has also gained some pop culture recognition through figures like Kendrick Lamar, a renowned rapper and songwriter who won numerous Grammy Awards. However, it's important to note that the popularity of the name is not solely attributed to his fame.
In terms of variant spellings, Kendrick can sometimes be found written as Kendrik or Kendric. There are also several related names such as Kendall (which means "valley of the valley stream"), Kenndra (a feminine form), and Kendal (also meaning "valley of the valley stream").
Overall, Kendrick is a strong and distinctive name with historical roots and modern appeal. Its meaning adds to its attractiveness, making it an excellent choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Kendrick has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century, as reflected in the annual birth statistics in the United States from 1912 to 2023.
In the early years, the name was quite rare, with fewer than 20 births per year between 1912 and 1954. However, starting in 1955, there was a noticeable increase in popularity, with the number of Kendrick births nearly doubling from 32 in 1955 to 68 in 1966.
The turning point for the name Kendrick came in the late 1960s and early 1970s. In 1967, there were 98 Kendrick births, marking a significant jump from previous years. This trend continued through the 1970s, with over 300 Kendrick births each year from 1971 onwards.
The peak of popularity for the name Kendrick occurred in the late 1980s and early 1990s, during which time there were over 700 Kendrick births annually. The highest number of Kendrick births recorded was in 2013, with a total of 1046 babies given this name.
Despite fluctuations in popularity over the years, Kendrick has remained a relatively uncommon name compared to other popular choices. As of 2023, there have been a total of 32,339 births of Kendrick in the United States since 1912, demonstrating its enduring appeal among parents seeking unique and distinctive names for their children.