The name Kendal is a distinctive and appealing choice for a baby girl, blending a sense of strength with a touch of modern elegance. How popular is the name Kendal? Let’s delve into its meaning, origin, popularity trends, and explore similar names.
The Meaning and Origin of Kendal
Kendal is generally believed to be of English origin, derived from a place name. It is often associated with the town of Kendal in Cumbria, England. The name itself is thought to mean "valley on the Kent river" or "Kent river valley." The Kent river flows through the area, lending a geographical connection to the name’s meaning. This ties the name to nature and a sense of place.
Kendal Name Popularity Trends
Analyzing the popularity of Kendal over the years reveals interesting trends. Data from the Social Security Administration (SSA) provides valuable insights into its usage:
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910-1960 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1961 | 2,386 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1962-1967 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1968 | 2,293 | 5 | 0.0003% |
| 1969 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1970 | 2,224 | 7 | 0.0004% |
| 1971 | 2,184 | 8 | 0.0005% |
| 1972-1981 | – | 0 | 0% |
| 1982 | 2,114 | 15 | 0.001% |
| 1983 | 1,563 | 30 | 0.002% |
| 1984 | 1,200 | 60 | 0.004% |
| 1985 | 1,433 | 41 | 0.0027% |
| 1986 | 1,123 | 78 | 0.0052% |
| 1987 | 1,058 | 91 | 0.006% |
| 1988 | 1,347 | 55 | 0.0035% |
| 1989 | 1,541 | 47 | 0.0029% |
| 1990 | 1,312 | 74 | 0.0045% |
| 1991 | 1,609 | 48 | 0.0029% |
| 1992 | 1,597 | 49 | 0.0031% |
| 1993 | 837 | 190 | 0.0122% |
| 1994 | 752 | 227 | 0.0148% |
| 1995 | 869 | 172 | 0.0114% |
| 1996 | 950 | 153 | 0.0102% |
| 1997 | 953 | 155 | 0.0105% |
| 1998 | 890 | 186 | 0.0124% |
| 1999 | 1,019 | 148 | 0.0099% |
| 2000 | 1,019 | 156 | 0.0102% |
| 2001 | 1,021 | 157 | 0.0104% |
| 2002 | 807 | 239 | 0.0159% |
| 2003 | 690 | 330 | 0.0217% |
| 2004 | 510 | 533 | 0.035% |
| 2005 | 674 | 367 | 0.024% |
| 2006 | 788 | 296 | 0.0189% |
| 2007 | 930 | 237 | 0.015% |
| 2008 | 806 | 300 | 0.0194% |
| 2009 | 788 | 305 | 0.0204% |
| 2010 | 862 | 253 | 0.0176% |
| 2011 | 768 | 298 | 0.0209% |
| 2012 | 830 | 260 | 0.0182% |
| 2013 | 1,018 | 178 | 0.0125% |
| 2014 | 1,073 | 165 | 0.0113% |
| 2015 | 1,223 | 124 | 0.0085% |
| 2016 | 1,411 | 88 | 0.0061% |
| 2017 | 1,885 | 39 | 0.0028% |
| 2018 | 1,987 | 31 | 0.0023% |
| 2019 | 2,213 | 21 | 0.0016% |
| 2020 | 2,604 | 25 | 0.002% |
| 2021 | 3,147 | 15 | 0.0012% |
| 2022 | 3,105 | 18 | 0.0014% |
| 2023 | 4,542 | 6 | 0.0005% |
- Early 20th Century: The name Kendal saw virtually no usage as a given name.
- Mid-20th Century: Sporadic appearances, never achieving significant popularity.
- Late 20th Century: A gradual increase in popularity, reaching a peak in the 1990s and early 2000s.
- 21st Century: Fluctuation in popularity, with some years showing higher rankings than others.
The data indicates that while Kendal isn’t consistently in the top tier of baby names, it maintains a steady presence, suggesting it remains a favored choice for parents seeking a unique yet familiar name.
Names Similar to Kendal
If you’re drawn to the sound and feel of Kendal, you might also appreciate these similar names:
Sound-Alike Names:
- Kendahl: A slight variation on Kendal.
- Kendyl: Offers a similar sound with a different spelling.
- Kyndal: A modern, alternative spelling.
Similar Names (with slight variations in sound or meaning):
- Kenda: A Welsh name meaning "greatest champion."
- Kendell: Another English name linked to the Kent river valley. Can be used for boys too.
- Kendis: A Latin name meaning "clarity, whiteness."
- Kendra: Another Welsh name meaning "greatest champion."
- Kendrah: Variation of Kendra.
- Kendri: A Welsh name.
- Kindall: An English name also related to the Kent river valley.
- Kyndall: Modern spelling.
- Wendall: Slavic origin. "The tribe of the Vandals; wanderer."
These names offer similar sounds and origins, providing a range of options for parents who appreciate the qualities of the name Kendal.
Conclusion
The name Kendal offers a blend of English heritage, a connection to nature through its river valley association, and a modern, stylish appeal. Its popularity trends demonstrate a consistent presence, making it a solid choice for parents seeking a name that’s both familiar and distinctive. Whether you’re drawn to its meaning, its sound, or its subtle charm, Kendal is a name with lasting appeal.