Kendal is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years as a unisex given name. It is derived from the place name Kendal, which is located in Cumbria, England. The name Kendal itself comes from the Old Norse words "kend" meaning "valley" and "hal" meaning "hollow". Therefore, the meaning of Kendal is associated with valleys or hollows.
The town of Kendal has a long history dating back to the Roman period when it was known as "Aquae Arclotiae", which means "the waters of Arclotia" due to its hot springs. The name evolved over time and by the 12th century, it had become Kendale, referring to the valley or district around the town. By the 14th century, the name had been shortened to Kendall.
Kendal as a given name began to appear in the United States in the late 19th century. It was more commonly used for boys at first but has since gained popularity as a unisex name. Today, Kendal is often chosen by parents who appreciate its unique sound and English heritage, without necessarily having a direct connection to the place itself.
In literature, there are no notable characters named Kendal that have contributed to its popularity. However, it is mentioned briefly in Emily Brontë's novel "Wuthering Heights" as the name of a character's estate. Overall, Kendal remains a distinctive and lesser-known name option with a rich history tied to its place of origin.
"The name Kendal experienced significant fluctuations over the years. From 1915 to 1959, the number of births ranged between 5 and 43, with a notable spike to 85 in 1957. However, from 1959 onwards, there was a steady increase, reaching a peak of 135 births in 1990. After this high point, the numbers started declining, dropping to as low as 25 births in 2021."