Kingston is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years, particularly as a boy's name. The name is derived from the historic city of Kingston upon Hull in Yorkshire, England. The city was founded by King Edward I in 1293 and was originally known as "King's Town upon Hull," which eventually evolved into "Kingston upon Hull."
The meaning of the name Kingston is straightforward: it translates to "king's town." This name has been associated with royalty and power throughout history, making it a strong and distinguished choice for a child's name. The name Kingston also has a modern and sophisticated sound that appeals to many parents.
In terms of history, the name Kingston has been used as a given name since at least the 18th century. However, it was not particularly common until recent decades when it started to gain popularity as a boy's name. Today, Kingston is considered a unisex name and can be given to children of either gender.
Overall, Kingston is a powerful and distinctive name with a rich history behind it. Its royal origins and modern sound make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique yet meaningful name for their child.
The name Kingston experienced a notable rise in popularity from the late 1980s onwards, with a significant spike starting around the year 2000. Between 1919 and 1985, there were relatively few births each year, ranging from 5 to 13. However, from 1987 onwards, the number of annual births named Kingston began to increase dramatically, reaching 32 in 1997 and exceeding 1000 by 2006. The peak occurred in 2014 with 2600 births, followed by several years of over 3000 births annually until 2021. Since then, the number of births named Kingston has decreased slightly, with 2907 in 2022 and 2511 in 2023. In total, there were 42497 births with the name Kingston from 1919 to 2023.