Kyle is a popular given name of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic word "caileach," which means "old woman" or "hag." Despite its seemingly unappealing meaning, Kyle has gained significant popularity as a boys' name in recent decades.
The name Kyle was originally used as a surname, referring to someone who lived near a narrow piece of land or strait. Over time, it evolved into a given name and began to be used for both boys and girls. Today, Kyle is considered gender-neutral, although it is still more commonly used for males.
In Scottish culture, the name Kyle is associated with several places, including the Kyleakin in the Highlands and Kyle of Sutherland. The name has also been used by notable figures throughout history, such as Kyle MacLachlan, an American actor known for his roles in films like "Sex and the City" and "Twin Peaks."
Despite its unusual meaning, Kyle continues to be a popular choice among parents today due to its distinctive sound and Scottish heritage. It is also often paired with other names, such as Kyle Jackson or Kyle David, creating unique combinations that further add to its appeal.
Based on the statistics provided for the name Kyle in the United States from 1915 to 2023, we can observe several trends:
From 1915 to 1962, the number of births with the name Kyle was relatively low and fluctuating. The highest year during this period was 1957 with 195 births. However, the following years showed a decline, reaching as low as 50 births in 1967.
Starting from 1969, there was a noticeable increase in the number of Kyle births. The year 1978 marked a significant turning point with 159 births, which was more than double the previous year's total. This upward trend continued through the late 1970s and early 1980s, peaking at 319 births in 1987.
The years between 1988 and 2004 saw a gradual decline in Kyle births, with some fluctuations along the way. The year 2005 had the lowest number of Kyle births during this period, with only 38.
From 2006 onwards, there has been a relatively stable number of Kyle births, ranging between 24 and 65 per year. There was another peak in 2014 with 68 births, but since then, the numbers have remained generally consistent around the mid-40s to low 60s.
Overall, the name Kyle experienced several periods of growth and decline over the past century. It reached its highest popularity between 1985 and 1987, with a total of 8884 births in the United States from 1915 to 2023. Despite fluctuations, Kyle has remained a consistently used name throughout this time period.