Pendleton is of English origin, derived from a surname that denoted residence near a pen, an enclosure for livestock. It was originally a place name from the village of Pendleton in Lancashire, England. In some cases, Pendleton may also have evolved from the personal name Pendleton itself, which could have been derived from Old English elements 'pendan' meaning 'to hang down or slope' and 'tun' meaning 'enclosure'. The name gained popularity as a given name in the United States during the 19th century.
"Pendleton as a baby name experienced periods of popularity followed by gaps over the century."