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.
Over time, the number of annual births under the name Kendall has shown significant fluctuations and a general increase. The first notable peak occurred between 1956 and 1964, with over 120 births per year. This trend continued into the late 1980s, reaching a high of 746 births in 1992. However, there was a significant drop in the number of Kendalls born between 1993 and 1995, with over 1600 births each year.
The early 2000s saw another peak in popularity for the name Kendall, reaching nearly 2400 births in 2004. This trend continued until around 2013, with over 2500 births annually. However, there has been a steady decline since then, with just under 1000 births in 2020 and 2021.
In total, from 1929 to 2023, there have been 64,599 births recorded for the name Kendall.