Kyle is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "caol" which means "narrow" or "slender". It was originally used as a surname, referring to someone who lived near a narrow piece of land or waterway.
The name Kyle became popular as a given name in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Before this time, it was primarily used as a surname. Today, Kyle is considered a unisex name but is more commonly used for boys.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Kyle. For instance, Kyle MacLachlan is an American actor known for his role in the television series "Twin Peaks". There is also Kyle Chandler, another American actor who played Coach Taylor in the TV show "Friday Night Lights".
In popular culture, the name Kyle has been featured in various movies and books. One notable example is the character Kyle Rayner from the DC Comics series Green Lantern.
Overall, Kyle is a strong, masculine-sounding name with a rich history dating back to medieval Scotland. Its unique meaning makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Kyle has seen significant fluctuations and growth in popularity over the years. From its early beginnings with fewer than ten births per year from 1881 to 1950, it experienced a dramatic rise starting in the late 1950s, reaching over 1000 births annually by 1957. This upward trend continued throughout the 1960s and 1970s, peaking at nearly 30,000 births in 1983 and maintaining high levels of popularity through the early 1990s.
However, since its peak in the late 20th century, Kyle has seen a steady decline in its popularity. From around 20,000 births per year in the mid-1990s, it dropped to fewer than 3000 births annually by the early 2020s. Despite this decrease, Kyle remains a popular name with over 750 births recorded each year from 2021 onwards.
In total, over the period of 1881 to 2023, there have been approximately 484,416 births recorded for the name Kyle.