"royal power, wise ruler"
Origin: English/Welsh
Language: English
Kendra
Pronunciation: [ k-EHNDR-uh ]
Does Kendra flow with your last name?
A 90s staple with royal Welsh roots
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English
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Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Things to Know About This Name
- Kendra Wilkinson's reality TV fame (2005-2010) gave the name a celebrity-focused association that feels dated to some parents
The Story of Kendra
Kendra is an English feminine name that emerged as a feminized form of Kendrick or Kendall, both derived from Welsh and Old English roots meaning 'royal power' or 'wise ruler.' The name gained traction in the United States from the 1960s onward and saw its height in the 1990s. While its exact origin is modern, it carries the weight of its masculine roots in Celtic warrior-chieftain names.
Kendra peaked in the US in the 1990s and early 2000s, fitting perfectly with the decade's preference for names ending in -a. Reality television personality Kendra Wilkinson brought additional visibility in the mid-2000s, though the association has since faded.
Kendra remains primarily an American name with limited international use. Kendra Scott, the self-made jewelry entrepreneur, has given the name a more recent association with female entrepreneurship and business success.
Historical Record
Kendra first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 97,554 babies have been named Kendra in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kendra is past its peak , currently ranked #687 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Kendra is used almost exclusively in English-speaking countries, with virtually no counterpart in other languages
- The Welsh root 'cen' (head, chief) appears in many powerful names including Kenneth and Kendrick
Kendra in Other Languages
French
Kendra
German
Kendra
Spanish
Kendra
Popularity Over Time
#687
Current Rank
Peaked 1987
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kendra
K
Kendra Wilkinson
Entertainer
1985
American television personality and model known for the E! series The Girls Next Door
K
Kendra Scott
Business
1974
American jewelry designer and entrepreneur who built Kendra Scott LLC into a billion-dollar brand
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #687
- Total SSA Count
- 412
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Ken
Kenny
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kendra
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kendra is also used as a boy name, ranked #21071.
View Kendra as a boy name →Similar Names
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Arabic origin
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Hebrew origin
"my sweetness"
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Japanese alternate origin
"forgiveness"
#855 in US
Drew
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Welsh origin
"wise"
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Old French origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kendra
What does the name Kendra mean?
"royal power, wise ruler" (from English/Welsh). Kendra is an English feminine name that emerged as a feminized form of Kendrick or Kendall, both derived from Welsh and Old English roots meaning 'royal power' or 'wise ruler.' The name gained traction in the United States from the 1960s onward and saw its height in the 1990s. While its exact origin is modern, it carries the weight of its masculine roots in Celtic warrior-chieftain names.
What is the origin of the name Kendra?
Kendra has English/Welsh, American, and English origins. In English/Welsh, it means "royal power, wise ruler".
Is Kendra a boy or girl name?
Kendra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #687. As a boy name, it is ranked #21071. Kendra is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kendra?
Kendra is pronounced k-EHNDR-uh.
How popular is the name Kendra?
Kendra is currently ranked #687 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kendra?
Common nicknames for Kendra include Ken and Kenny.
What are good middle names for Kendra?
Popular middle name pairings include Kendra Marie, Kendra Lynn, Kendra Nicole, Kendra Renee, Kendra Grace, and Kendra Joy.
What are good sibling names for Kendra?
Names that pair well with Kendra as siblings include Brittany, Tiffany, Devon, Jordan, Tyler, and Caitlin.
How many syllables does Kendra have?
Kendra has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kendra a common or rare name?
Kendra is moderately common, ranked #687 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
What girl names are similar to Kendra?
About the Name Kendra
Kendra is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "royal power, wise ruler" in English/Welsh .
Is Kendra a boy or girl name? Kendra is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #687 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #21,071. Kendra is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kendra is currently ranked #687 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kendra has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-EHNDR-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kendra include Ken and Kenny. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kendra include Kendall, Kendal, Kendyl . 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