Kendra is a name with English origins that has been around for quite some time. It was once considered a feminization of Kenneth, but it has since become a standalone name. The name Kendra is thought to mean “knowing” or “understanding,” which are great qualities to have.
The name Kendra has been moderately popular for girls in the United States since the mid-1980s. It ranked 360th in popularity in 2023, according to BabyCenter user data. Kendra is a name that exudes intelligence and wisdom, making it a great choice for parents who want their daughter to have those qualities. If you’re considering the name Kendra for your baby girl, read on to learn more about its meaning and origins.
Origin of the Name Kendra
Kendra is a feminine given name of English origin, meaning “knowing”. It was once considered a feminization of Kenneth, but it has now become a standalone name. The name Kendra is believed to have originated from various sources, including Old English, Welsh, Celt, and Scottish descent.
One theory suggests that Kendra may have derived from the Welsh male name Kendrick, which means “high hill”. Another theory suggests that the name Kendra may have come from the Welsh last name Cynwrig, which means “chief warrior”. Alternatively, Kendra may have been derived from the Old English name Ceneric, which means “bold power”.
The name Kendra has also been associated with the Celtic and Gaelic languages. In Celtic, the name Kendra means “greatest champion”, while in Gaelic, it means “son of Henry”. The name has been used in the United States since the 1940s and has become popular among American parents in recent years.
In summary, the origin of the name Kendra is believed to be a combination of various sources, including Old English, Welsh, Celt, and Scottish descent. The name has evolved over time and has become a popular choice for parents in the United States.
Meaning of Kendra
Kendra is a female name with disputed origins. However, it is generally agreed that the name Kendra means “knowing” or “wise ruler”. It is a name that exudes power and leadership qualities.
Some sources suggest that Kendra is of Welsh origin and means “greatest champion” or “high hill”. Others believe that it is of Scottish origin and means “son of Henry”. The English version of Kendra means “water baby” or “magical”.
The name Kendra is sometimes seen as a feminization of the name Kenneth, which means “bold power”. However, Kendra is now firmly established as a standalone name with its own unique meaning and significance.
In numerology, the name Kendra is associated with the number 1, which represents unity and leadership. People with this name are believed to possess strong willpower and the ability to lead others.
Overall, Kendra is a name that conveys strength, knowledge, and leadership qualities. It is a great name for parents who want to give their daughter a name that will inspire her to become a strong and independent woman.
Popularity of Kendra
Kendra is a popular baby name in the United States. According to BabyCenter’s Baby Names tool, Kendra was ranked #154 in 2022. The name’s popularity has been fluctuating over the years. Kendra was at its peak in the 1980s and 1990s when it was in the top 100 most popular baby names for girls in the US.
The popularity of Kendra varies by state. In 2022, Kendra was most popular in the state of Oklahoma, where it was ranked #84. Other states where Kendra was popular include Indiana (#87), Kentucky (#91), and Tennessee (#95).
Kendra is a name that has been consistently used for baby girls in the United States. According to Nameberry, Kendra has been in the top 200 most popular baby names for girls since 1972. Kendra’s popularity has been declining in recent years, but it remains a well-liked name.
The popularity of Kendra is reflected in the name’s appearance on the Social Security Administration’s baby name chart. According to the data, Kendra was ranked #120 in 2021, which is down from its peak of #75 in 1990.
In conclusion, Kendra is a popular name for baby girls in the United States. Though its popularity has been declining in recent years, it remains a well-liked name that has been consistently used for decades.
Kendra in Popular Culture
Kendra is a name that has been used in various forms of popular culture, including literature, television, and comics. Here are some notable examples:
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Harry Potter novels: Kendra Dumbledore is the mother of Albus Dumbledore and Ariana Dumbledore. She was a powerful witch who lived in the late 19th and early 20th century. Kendra is portrayed as a kind and caring mother who sacrificed her own happiness for the sake of her children.
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Buffy the Vampire Slayer: Kendra Young is a Slayer who is called after Buffy is briefly killed in the season one finale. Kendra is portrayed as a serious and focused character who takes her duties as a Slayer very seriously. She is also shown to have a strong sense of honor and duty.
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Fablehaven series: Kendra Sorenson is one of the main characters in the Fablehaven series. She is a 14-year-old girl who discovers that her grandparents’ estate is actually a sanctuary for magical creatures. Kendra is portrayed as a smart and resourceful character who is able to handle dangerous situations with courage and intelligence.
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DC Comics: Kendra Saunders is a superheroine who has gone by the names Hawkgirl and Hawkwoman. She is a member of the Justice Society of America and the Justice League. Kendra is portrayed as a skilled fighter who possesses enhanced strength, agility, and endurance.
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Arrow: Kendra Saunders/Hawkgirl appears in the TV series Arrow. She is portrayed as a barista who discovers that she is actually a reincarnated Egyptian princess with the power to fly and wield a mystical weapon. Kendra is shown to be a strong and independent character who is able to hold her own in a fight.
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The Cleveland Show: Kendra Krinklesac is a character in the animated TV series The Cleveland Show. She is the wife of Lester Krinklesac and the mother of their son Ernie. Kendra is portrayed as a caring and supportive wife and mother who is always there for her family.
Famous People Named Kendra
The name Kendra has been popular for many years, and as a result, there are many famous people with this name. Here are some of the most notable:
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Kendra Scott: Kendra Scott is a well-known jewelry designer and entrepreneur. She founded her eponymous company in 2002 and has since grown it into a multi-million dollar business.
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Kendra Jade Rossi: Kendra Jade Rossi is an American model, actress, and former adult film actress. She has appeared in numerous magazines, music videos, and television shows.
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Kendra Sunderland: Kendra Sunderland is a former Oregon State University student who gained notoriety in 2015 after filming an adult video in the university’s library. She has since become a social media personality and webcam model.
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Kendra Harrison: Kendra Harrison is an American track and field athlete who specializes in the 100-meter hurdles. She set a world record in the event in 2016 and has won numerous medals in international competitions.
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Kendra Smith: Kendra Smith is an American musician who was a founding member of the band The Dream Syndicate. She has also released several solo albums and collaborated with other artists.
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Kendra Wilkinson: Kendra Wilkinson is a television personality and author. She rose to fame as one of Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends on the reality show “The Girls Next Door” and later starred in her own show, “Kendra.”
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Kendra Krinklesac: Kendra Krinklesac is a character from the animated television show “The Cleveland Show.” She is the wife of Cleveland Brown’s neighbor, Lester Krinklesac.
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Kendra Daynes: Kendra Daynes is a fictional character who served as the White House Counsel in season 2 of the television show “Designated Survivor.”
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Kendra Dumbledore: Kendra Dumbledore is a character from the Harry Potter novels. She is the mother of Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
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Kendra Sunderlan: Kendra Sunderlan is an American competitive pair skater who won the World Junior silver medal and U.S. Junior national championship with her partner Andy Seitz in 2001.
These are just a few of the many famous people named Kendra. Whether in the world of business, entertainment, or sports, Kendras have made their mark on the world.
Variations of Kendra
Kendra is a beautiful name that has many variations. Here are some popular variations of the name Kendra:
- Ken: Ken is a short and sweet variation of the name Kendra. It means “born of fire” and is of Scottish origin.
- Kenna: Kenna is another popular variation of the name Kendra. It means “handsome” and is of Irish origin.
- Kassandra: Kassandra is a unique variation of the name Kendra. It means “helper of men” and is of Greek origin.
- Sandra: Sandra is a classic variation of the name Kendra. It means “defender of mankind” and is of Greek origin.
- Harrison: Harrison is a unisex variation of the name Kendra. It means “son of Harry” and is of English origin.
- Mason: Mason is another unisex variation of the name Kendra. It means “worker in stone” and is of English origin.
- Kiandra: Kiandra is a modern variation of the name Kendra. It means “graceful” and is of American origin.
- Kendria: Kendria is a unique variation of the name Kendra. It means “greatest champion” and is of American origin.
- Kennith: Kennith is a classic variation of the name Kendra. It means “handsome” and is of Scottish origin.
- Kenrick: Kenrick is a strong variation of the name Kendra. It means “royal ruler” and is of Welsh origin.
- Kenina: Kenina is a beautiful variation of the name Kendra. It means “born of fire” and is of Scottish origin.
Each of these variations has its own unique meaning and origin. Whether you choose Kendra or one of its variations, you are sure to have a beautiful and meaningful name for your child.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kendra is a name of disputed origins, but it is generally believed to have Anglo-Saxon roots. It has been a moderately popular female name in the United States, ranking 403 out of 4275 for females of all ages in the 1990 U.S. Census. However, its popularity has declined since then.
Kendra was once seen as a feminization of Kenneth, but it has now firmly established itself as a standalone name. It means “knowing” and is a great name for parents who want to give their daughters a name that signifies intelligence and understanding.
If you’re considering naming your daughter Kendra, you should be aware that names can change in popularity over time. While Kendra may not be the most popular name right now, it could make a comeback in the future. Ultimately, the best name for your child is one that you love and that has personal meaning to you.