Kendall is a unisex given name of English origin. It means "from the valley of the river Kent" in Old English, with the name being derived from an Old English word that refers to valleys and another word meaning "river". The name Kendall was traditionally used as a surname before it began to be used as a given name in the late 20th century.
The use of Kendall as a given name has increased significantly since the 1980s, with it being particularly popular in the United States. It has also gained popularity in other English-speaking countries such as Canada and Australia. The name Kendall is often used for both boys and girls, although it may be perceived more commonly as a female name due to its usage in popular culture.
One notable person named Kendall is American model and television personality Kendall Jenner, who is a member of the Kardashian-Jenner family. However, it is important to note that this association should not overshadow the rich history and meaning behind the name Kendall itself.
Overall, Kendall is a strong, distinctive name with a clear meaning and origins. Its unisex nature allows for flexibility in choosing a name for a child of either gender, while its English roots make it familiar and approachable. Despite being a more recent addition to the list of popular given names, Kendall has quickly established itself as a beloved choice among parents around the world.
The name Kendall has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, with fluctuations over time as reflected in these statistics.
From the late 1920s to the early 1940s, Kendall was not particularly popular, with only a handful of births per year. However, starting from 1943, there was a noticeable increase in its usage, reaching double digits for the first time that year with 14 births.
The 1950s saw a steady rise in the popularity of Kendall, starting with 31 births in 1956 and peaking at 70 births in 1958. This trend continued into the early 1960s, with the number of births exceeding 100 for the first time in 1964, reaching 120 that year.
The popularity of Kendall surged significantly in the late 1970s and early 1980s. In 1979, there were 190 births, and by 1982, this number had more than doubled to 278. The years 1984 to 1986 saw an unprecedented boom in the usage of Kendall, with over 500 births each year.
However, from the late 1980s onwards, the popularity of Kendall started to decline gradually but steadily. Despite this, it remained a popular choice, with at least 600 births every year until 2007.
The early 2000s saw another spike in the usage of Kendall, particularly between 2002 and 2005 when over 2,000 births were recorded each year. However, this popularity did not sustain, and by 2016, the number of births had fallen to around 1,300.
The most recent data shows that Kendall is still a popular choice for parents in the United States, with over 900 births recorded in each of the past three years. Since its first appearance on the Social Security Administration's list of top baby names in the late 1940s, Kendall has consistently featured among the most popular names, demonstrating its enduring appeal.
In conclusion, while Kendall experienced periods of popularity and decline over the years, it remains a widely chosen name for newborns in the United States. Its consistent appearance on the SSA's list is a testament to its ongoing appeal and relevance among parents.