"valley of the River Kent"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Kendall
Pronunciation: [ k-EHND-uhl ]
Does Kendall flow with your last name?
English valley name navigating the gender-fluid era
English
American
Welsh
Modern
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Sophisticated
Bold
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Things to Know About This Name
- Increasingly associated as a girls' name due to Kendall Jenner; may feel gender-ambiguous
The Story of Kendall
Kendall is an English surname-turned-given-name originating from the town of Kendal in Cumbria, England, where the River Kent runs through a valley (Old English 'denu' = valley). The town was famous for its Kendal Green cloth in medieval times. As a first name, Kendall began as a masculine choice but has shifted considerably toward feminine use in the 21st century.
Kendall was primarily a masculine name through the mid-20th century. Its shift toward gender neutrality accelerated dramatically after Kendall Jenner (born 1995) became a global supermodel and reality TV star. For boys, the name now navigates gender-fluid territory.
Kendall is one of many English place-based surnames that became given names. In Wales and Northern England, the Cumbrian origin gives it regional identity. In American culture, it's now almost exclusively associated with Kendall Jenner.
Historical Record
Kendall first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 32,040 babies have been named Kendall in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kendall is past its peak , currently ranked #1,232 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kendal Green was a famous medieval wool cloth exported worldwide from Cumbria, England
- Kendall Jenner became the world's highest-paid model in 2017
- The town of Kendal in Cumbria is famous for Kendal Mint Cake, the energy bar favored by mountaineers
Kendall in Other Languages
Welsh
Kendall
English
Kendall
Popularity Over Time
#1,232
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Peaked 1993
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kendall
K
Kendall Jenner
Entertainer
1995
American model and media personality, one of the world's highest-paid models
K
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,232
- Total SSA Count
- 162
- Cultural Origins
- English American Welsh
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ken
Kenny
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kendall
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Kendall is also used as a girl name, ranked #310.
View Kendall as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kendall
What does the name Kendall mean?
"valley of the River Kent" (from Old English). Kendall is an English surname-turned-given-name originating from the town of Kendal in Cumbria, England, where the River Kent runs through a valley (Old English 'denu' = valley). The town was famous for its Kendal Green cloth in medieval times. As a first name, Kendall began as a masculine choice but has shifted considerably toward feminine use in the 21st century.
What is the origin of the name Kendall?
Kendall has Old English, English, American, and Welsh origins. In Old English, it means "valley of the River Kent".
Is Kendall a boy or girl name?
Kendall is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1232. As a girl name, it is ranked #310. Kendall is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kendall?
Kendall is pronounced k-EHND-uhl.
How popular is the name Kendall?
Kendall is currently ranked #1232 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kendall?
Common nicknames for Kendall include Ken and Kenny.
What are good middle names for Kendall?
Popular middle name pairings include Kendall James, Kendall Lee, Kendall Ray, Kendall Scott, Kendall Thomas, Kendall Alexander, and Kendall Wayne.
What are good sibling names for Kendall?
Names that pair well with Kendall as siblings include Kelsey, Carter, Logan, Peyton, Riley, Cameron, and Taylor.
How many syllables does Kendall have?
Kendall has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kendall a common or rare name?
Kendall is an uncommon name, ranked #1232 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Kendall?
About the Name Kendall
Kendall is a boy name with English, American, and Welsh origins . The name means "valley of the River Kent" in Old English .
Is Kendall a boy or girl name? Kendall is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,232 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #310. Kendall is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kendall is currently ranked #1,232 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kendall has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EHND-uhl, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kendall include Ken and Kenny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kendall include Kendrick, Kendrix, Kendry, Kendell, Kendal . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis