"head of the pass"
Origin: Scottish Gaelic
Language: English
Kincaid
Pronunciation: [ k-ihnk-AYD ]
Does Kincaid flow with your last name?
A bold Scottish clan name meaning head of the pass
Scottish
English
American
Strong
Unique
Bold
Sophisticated
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"top of the steep place"
Origin: Gaelic
Language: Scottish
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The Story of Kincaid
Kincaid is a Scottish surname turned given name, derived from the Gaelic 'ceann cèid' meaning 'head of the pass' — likely referring to a strategic highland pass near the village of Kincaid in Stirlingshire, Scotland. The Kincaid family were prominent Scottish nobles during the medieval period. The surname-as-first-name trend has made Kincaid an increasingly popular choice for parents seeking strong, distinctive Scottish heritage names.
Kincaid as a first name has been rising quietly in the United States as parents seek strong, unusual surname-names that project confidence. It's less common than similarly-styled names like Caden or Kendall, giving it a distinctively uncommon edge while remaining immediately pronounceable.
The Kincaid clan of Scotland held lands near Campsie Glen in Stirlingshire for centuries. The name connects to Scotland's highland landscape and clan history, carrying the rugged, independent spirit associated with Scottish highland culture.
Historical Record
Kincaid first appeared in US Social Security records in 1993.
Over 447 babies have been named Kincaid in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kincaid is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #4,041 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The village of Kincaid in Scotland dates back to medieval records
- Thomas Kincaid was a 19th-century American politician and judge who served in Oregon
- The surname-as-first-name trend has brought many Scottish clan names into baby name popularity
Kincaid in Other Languages
Irish
Kinncéide
Scottish Gaelic
Ceann Cèid
Popularity Over Time
#4,041
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kincaid
J
Jamaica Kincaid
Writer
1949
Antiguan-American novelist and essayist, author of Annie John and Lucy, known for exploring colonialism and identity
T
Thomas Kincaid
Politician
1850
American judge and politician who served in Nebraska
K
Kincaid (fictional) Fictional
Other
Recurring character in the Dresden Files urban fantasy novel series by Jim Butcher
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Compare Kincaid with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,041
- Total SSA Count
- 27
- Cultural Origins
- Scottish English American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Kin
Caid
KC
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 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, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, Scottish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kincaid
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kincaid
What does the name Kincaid mean?
"head of the pass" (from Scottish Gaelic). "top of the steep place" (from Gaelic). Kincaid is a Scottish surname turned given name, derived from the Gaelic 'ceann cèid' meaning 'head of the pass' — likely referring to a strategic highland pass near the village of Kincaid in Stirlingshire, Scotland. The Kincaid family were prominent Scottish nobles during the medieval period. The surname-as-first-name trend has made Kincaid an increasingly popular choice for parents seeking strong, distinctive Scottish heritage names.
What is the origin of the name Kincaid?
Kincaid has Scottish Gaelic, Gaelic, Scottish, English, and American origins. In Scottish Gaelic, it means "head of the pass". In Gaelic, it means "top of the steep place".
Is Kincaid a boy or girl name?
Kincaid is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Kincaid?
Kincaid is pronounced k-ihnk-AYD.
How popular is the name Kincaid?
Kincaid is currently ranked #4041 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kincaid?
Common nicknames for Kincaid include Kin and Caid.
What are good middle names for Kincaid?
Popular middle name pairings include Kincaid James, Kincaid Alexander, Kincaid William, Kincaid Robert, Kincaid Reid, and Kincaid Grant.
What are good sibling names for Kincaid?
Names that pair well with Kincaid as siblings include MacAllister, Duncan, Callum, Fiona, Isla, and Briar.
How many syllables does Kincaid have?
Kincaid has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kincaid a common or rare name?
Kincaid is an uncommon name, ranked #4041 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Kincaid
Kincaid is a boy name with Scottish, English, and American origins . The name means "head of the pass" in Scottish Gaelic .
Kincaid is currently ranked #4,041 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Kincaid has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-ihnk-AYD, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kincaid include Kin, Caid, and KC. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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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