Kingston is a unique and distinctive name of Jamaican origin. It is derived from the Old English words 'cing' meaning king and 'tun' meaning town or settlement. Therefore, Kingston literally translates to "king's town."
The city of Kingston in Jamaica is believed to have been named after King William III of England, with the suffix '-ton' indicating a town or settlement. However, the name Kingston has been used as a given name for centuries, long before the establishment of the Jamaican city.
Historically, the name Kingston was quite popular among royal families and nobility in Europe during the Middle Ages. It was often used to denote a connection to royalty or to wish for a future ruler's prosperity. Some notable figures with the surname Kingston include Thomas Kingston, 1st Earl of Kingston-upon-Hull (1673-1748), and Henry Francis, Duke of Cumberland and King's son (1594-1649).
In literature and popular culture, the name Kingston has been used in various works. Some examples include 'The Moonstone' by Wilkie Collins, where one of the characters is named Ezra Jennings-Kingston, and the band 'Kingston' from Australia.
Overall, Kingston is a strong, regal-sounding name with a rich history that carries connotations of royalty and power. It has been used as both a given name and a surname throughout history, and continues to be a distinctive choice for parents today.
Kingston is a unique and distinctive name that has been steadily gaining popularity over the past decade and a half in the United States. Let's take a closer look at its usage trends through the years.
In 2007, Kingston made its debut on the baby naming scene with just 9 births recorded that year. This number doubled by 2014, reaching 23 births, indicating a growing interest in this moniker among parents-to-be. The peak popularity of the name came in 2021, with an impressive 28 babies named Kingston, demonstrating its rising appeal.
However, popularity isn't consistent year after year. For instance, there was a dip in usage between 2016 and 2017, with 24 births in 2016 dropping to 15 in 2017. Similarly, we saw a decline from 25 births in both 2018 and 2019 to just 18 in 2020.
Despite these fluctuations, the overall trend shows that Kingston is becoming more common as a baby name in the United States. In total, since 2007, there have been 292 babies named Kingston, indicating that this name has resonated with parents for various reasons, whether it's its unique sound, its historical significance, or perhaps its biblical roots.
It's also worth noting that the name Kingston has not only gained traction in the United States but has also been adopted by parents around the world. This international appeal further cements the name's status as a modern classic with enduring appeal.