Kendall Name Meaning: Discover the Origin and Significance of the Name

Kendall is a unisex name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. The name is derived from the ancient British river-name “Cunetio” with the Olde English pre-7th century word “dael” meaning valley. As a result, the name Kendall means “Valley Of The River Kent.”

The name Kendall has been around for centuries, but it wasn’t until the 20th century that it gained popularity as a given name. Kendall was initially used as a surname and a place name, but it has since become a popular first name for both boys and girls. In recent years, the name Kendall has become more popular for girls than for boys.

The meaning of a name can be important to parents when choosing a name for their child. The name Kendall has a strong and beautiful meaning, making it a great choice for parents who are looking for a name with significance. Whether you are considering the name Kendall for your baby or just curious about its meaning, learning more about this name can be fascinating.

Meaning of Kendall

Kendall is a unisex name of English origin that means “valley of the river Kent.” The name is derived from the ancient British river-name “Cunetio” with the Olde English pre-7th century word “dael” meaning valley.

The name Kendall has Anglo-Saxon roots and is derived from the Old English words “cyne,” meaning “royal,” and “dael,” meaning “valley.” So, when combined, the name Kendall literally means “valley of the kings.”

Kendall is a popular name for both boys and girls. It is currently ranked #301 in the US for girls and is also used as a surname.

The name Kendall is often associated with qualities such as intelligence, leadership, and ambition. People who like the name Kendall also tend to enjoy other unisex names such as Avery, Taylor, and Kennedy.

Overall, the name Kendall has a friendly and approachable feel to it. It is a great choice for parents looking for a gender-neutral name that is both unique and meaningful.

Origin of Kendall

Kendall is a name of English origin that is derived from the Old English words “cumb” meaning valley, and “halh” meaning nook or recess. The name Kendall was originally used to describe someone who lived in or near the Kent River Valley in England. The Kent River is a river that flows through the county of Kent in southeastern England.

The name Kendall has also been associated with the Celtic language and culture. In Celtic Baby Names, the meaning of the name Kendall is “from the bright valley.” The name Kendall is also believed to have been derived from the Welsh personal name Cynddelw, which means “exalted high” and “image effigy.”

In Anglo-Saxon times, the name Kendall was spelled as “Kendalle.” The spelling of the name has since evolved over time, with the addition of an extra “l” in the Middle Ages.

Today, the name Kendall is used as both a boy’s and girl’s name. It gained popularity as a girl’s name in the late 20th century, largely due to the influence of the soap opera character Kendall Hart in All My Children and reality star Kendall Jenner.

Overall, the name Kendall has a rich history and is associated with the beautiful Kent River Valley in England, as well as the Celtic language and culture.

Popularity of Kendall

Kendall is a unisex name of English origin that has been gaining popularity in recent years. As of 2023, it is ranked #417 for baby girl names in the United States, a decrease of 56 spots from the previous year.

According to BabyCenter user data, Kendall has been a popular name choice among American parents. It is a name that has been used for both boys and girls, but it is more commonly given to baby girls.

Kendall’s popularity has been influenced by various factors. One of the main reasons for its popularity is its association with celebrities like Kendall Jenner, a reality TV star and model. The name was also popularized by a soap opera character played by Sarah Michelle Gellar in All My Children.

The popularity of Kendall can also be seen in its rank on the popularity chart. As of 2023, it is ranked #301 in the United States for baby names. This indicates that it is a well-liked name choice among American parents.

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In summary, Kendall is a popular American baby name that has been gaining popularity in recent years. It is a unisex name that has been used for both boys and girls, but it is more commonly given to baby girls. Its popularity can be attributed to its association with celebrities, soap opera characters, and its rank on the popularity chart.

Famous People Named Kendall

Kendall is a popular unisex name that has been used by many famous people across different fields. Here are some notable individuals named Kendall:

  • Kendall Jenner: Kendall Jenner is a famous American model, socialite, and media personality. She is best known for her appearances on the reality TV show Keeping Up with the Kardashians and her successful modeling career. Jenner has worked with many high-profile brands and designers and has been featured in numerous fashion magazines.

  • Kendall Schmidt: Kendall Schmidt is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his role as Kendall Knight on the Nickelodeon TV series Big Time Rush. Schmidt has also released music as a solo artist and as part of the band Heffron Drive.

  • Kendall Francis Schmidt: Kendall Francis Schmidt is an American actor, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his role as Kendall Knight on the Nickelodeon TV series Big Time Rush. Schmidt has also released music as a solo artist and as part of the band Heffron Drive.

  • Kendall Hart: Kendall Hart is a fictional character on the soap opera All My Children. The character was played by actress Sarah Michelle Gellar from 1993 to 1995 and again in 2011. Kendall Hart is the daughter of Erica Kane and is known for her tumultuous relationships and dramatic storylines.

  • Kendall Simmons: Kendall Simmons is a former American football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for nine seasons. He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2002 NFL Draft and went on to play for the team for six seasons. Simmons also played for the Buffalo Bills and the New England Patriots.

  • Kendall Wright: Kendall Wright is a former American football player who played in the NFL for six seasons. He was drafted by the Tennessee Titans in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft and went on to play for the team for five seasons. Wright also played for the Chicago Bears and the Minnesota Vikings.

  • Kendall Taylor: Kendall Taylor is an American singer and songwriter. She is best known for her soulful and bluesy style of music. Taylor has released several albums and has collaborated with many other musicians throughout her career.

  • Kendall Donnerson: Kendall Donnerson is an American football player who currently plays for the Green Bay Packers of the NFL. He was drafted by the team in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has played for the team since then.

  • Kendall Sheffield: Kendall Sheffield is an American football player who currently plays for the Atlanta Falcons of the NFL. He was drafted by the team in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft and has played for the team since then.

  • Kendall Grove: Kendall Grove is a retired American mixed martial artist who competed in the UFC and Bellator MMA organizations. He was the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 3 and had a successful career in both organizations.

  • Kendall Stephens: Kendall Stephens is an American basketball player who currently plays for the Erie BayHawks of the NBA G League. He played college basketball at Purdue University and has also played professionally in Europe.

  • Kendall Gill: Kendall Gill is a retired American basketball player who played in the NBA for 15 seasons. He was drafted by the Charlotte Hornets in the first round of the 1990 NBA Draft and went on to play for several other teams throughout his career.

Kendall in Popular Culture

The name Kendall has been used in popular culture in various ways. Here are some examples:

  • Big Time Rush: Kendall Knight is one of the main characters in the Nickelodeon TV series Big Time Rush. He is portrayed by Kendall Schmidt, an American singer and songwriter. The show premiered in 2009 and was about four hockey players from Minnesota who form a boy band and move to Los Angeles to pursue their dreams of becoming pop stars. Kendall is the lead singer of the band and is known for his good looks and charming personality.

  • All My Children: Kendall Hart is a character on the soap opera All My Children. She is played by Sarah Michelle Gellar, who later went on to star in Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Kendall is the daughter of Erica Kane, the show’s main character, and is known for her scheming ways and complicated love life.

  • Writer: Kendall is also a surname used by various writers, including Edward Kendall, a Pulitzer Prize-winning American poet, and Joshua Kendall, an American journalist and author.

  • Basketball Player: Kendall Gill is a retired American professional basketball player who played in the NBA for 15 seasons. He was known for his defensive skills and was named to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team in 1999.

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In conclusion, the name Kendall has been used in various forms of popular culture, including TV shows, soap operas, literature, and sports. It is a versatile name that can be used for both boys and girls, and its meaning of “valley of the river Kent” adds to its appeal.

Variations and Similar Names

The name Kendall has several variations and similar names that you might find interesting. Here are some of them:

  • Kendal: This is a variation of the name Kendall that is more commonly used as a boy’s name. Kendal is also the name of a town in Cumbria, England.
  • Kenda: This is a feminine name that is similar to Kendall. It means “greatest champion” and is of African origin.
  • Ken: This is a short form of Kendall that is often used as a nickname. It is also a name on its own and means “born of fire” in Japanese.
  • Kendale: This is another variation of the name Kendall that is more commonly used as a boy’s name. It means “valley of the river Kent”.
  • Names like Kendall: Other names that are similar to Kendall include Kinsley, Kennedy, and Harper.
  • Names similar to Kendall: Other names that are similar to Kendall in terms of popularity and style include Addison, Avery, and Brooklyn.
  • Kendell: This is a variation of the name Kendall that is more commonly used as a girl’s name. It means “valley of the river Kent”.
  • Kendyl: This is another variation of the name Kendall that is more commonly used as a girl’s name. It means “valley of the river Kent”.
  • Kendel: This is yet another variation of the name Kendall that is more commonly used as a girl’s name. It means “valley of the river Kent”.
  • Kenny: This is a short form of Kendall that is often used as a nickname. It is also a name on its own and means “handsome” in Irish Gaelic.
  • Kendahl: This is a variation of the name Kendall that is more commonly used as a girl’s name. It means “valley of the river Kent”.
  • Nameberry: Nameberry is a website that provides information on baby names, including the meaning, origin, and popularity of each name. According to Nameberry, Kendall is a unisex name that is currently more popular for girls than boys.

Gender and Kendall

Kendall is a name that can be used for both girls and boys, making it a unisex or gender-neutral name. It is primarily a name of English origin, which means “valley of the river Kent.” The name is derived from an ancient British river-name “Cunetio” with the Olde English pre 7th Century word “dael” meaning valley.

While Kendall was initially used more for boys, it gained popularity as a name for girls, thanks to a soap opera character and reality TV star Kendall Jenner. Nowadays, it is more commonly used as a girl’s name.

Here are some interesting facts about the gender and popularity of the name Kendall:

  • According to BabyNames.com, Kendall is the 90th most popular name for girls in the United States, while for boys, it ranks at 205th place.
  • Nameberry reports that Kendall was initially a boy’s name, and remained more or equally popular for boys until the early 1990s in the US.
  • The name Kendall is often associated with qualities like intelligence, creativity, and independence, making it a popular choice for parents who want a gender-neutral name for their child.
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Overall, Kendall is a versatile name that can work for both boys and girls, and its popularity continues to grow.

Traits and Personality

The name Kendall is associated with strong and powerful traits. People with this name tend to radiate raw power, which makes them look confident and intimidating at the same time. They are often perceived as leaders due to their natural charisma and commanding presence.

Kendalls are known for being egocentric and self-assured. They are confident in their abilities and tend to have a strong sense of self-worth. They are not easily swayed by others and require convincing before joining a worthy cause. However, once they are committed, they are fully invested and will go to great lengths to achieve their goals.

The name Kendall has royal roots, which may contribute to their natural leadership abilities. The name is derived from the Old English words “cyne,” meaning “royal,” and “dael,” meaning “valley.” This combination stands for the “valley of kings,” which may explain why Kendalls often carry themselves with a regal air.

Finally, Kendalls possess a natural power that is both physical and mental. They have a presence that demands attention, and they are not afraid to speak their minds. They are often perceived as wealthy, even if they are not, due to their confident and powerful demeanor.

In summary, Kendalls are strong, powerful, and confident individuals with natural leadership abilities. They possess a regal air and a commanding presence that demands attention.

Pronunciation of Kendall

Kendall is a name that has been around for a long time, and it is pronounced in a few different ways depending on where you are from. In general, there are two main ways to pronounce Kendall: “KEN-dul” and “ken-DALL.”

The first pronunciation, “KEN-dul,” is the most common in the United States. It is the way that most people with the name Kendall pronounce it, and it is the way that most people who know someone with the name Kendall will pronounce it as well. This pronunciation puts the emphasis on the first syllable and is a simple, straightforward way to say the name.

The second pronunciation, “ken-DALL,” is less common but still used in some parts of the world. This pronunciation puts the emphasis on the second syllable and is a little more complex than the first pronunciation. It is more commonly used in the UK and other English-speaking countries outside of the US.

Overall, the pronunciation of Kendall is not difficult, and most people will be able to say it correctly without much trouble. Whether you prefer the “KEN-dul” or “ken-DALL” pronunciation, both are acceptable and widely used.

Kendall in the 20th and 21st Century

Kendall has been a popular name for both boys and girls in the United States since the early 20th century. According to the Social Security Administration, Kendall first made its list of the 1,000 most popular baby names in 1964. Since then, it has remained a common name for both boys and girls.

In the 20th century, Kendall was often given to boys. However, in recent years, it has become a popular name for girls as well. In fact, in 2019, Kendall was the 207th most popular name for girls in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration.

Kendall’s popularity in the 21st century can be attributed to a number of factors, including its association with popular culture. For example, Kendall Jenner, a member of the Kardashian-Jenner family, has helped to popularize the name in recent years. Additionally, Kendall has become associated with a modern, trendy style, making it a popular choice for parents looking for a fashionable name for their child.

Overall, Kendall has remained a popular name throughout the 20th and 21st centuries, and its popularity shows no signs of waning. Whether you’re looking for a name for a boy or a girl, Kendall is a stylish and timeless choice.