Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kendra is an English name with roots in Old English, meaning 'royal ruler' or 'champion'. It evolved from Kendrick and has become popular in the United States since the 1960s. The name is associated with strength and independence, and it has notable variants such as Kendall. There is no biblical relevance connected to this name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɛn.drə/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name Kendra is derived from the name 'Kendrick', which has roots in Old English and means 'royal ruler' or 'champion'. It may also be influenced by the feminine form of the name 'Ken', which is a diminutive of Kenneth.
Meaning
royal ruler, champion
Language Evolution
Ken, Kendrick, Kendra
Historical Usage
The name Kendra gained popularity in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s. It was often seen as a modern and unique name during this time period.
Variants & Derivatives
Kendall, Ken, Kendry
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kendra is perceived as a modern and elegant name. It is often associated with strength and independence.
Famous People
Kendra Wilkinson, Kendra Lust, Kendra Harrison
📊 Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,863 peak births in 1987
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Alaska
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (4 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 4 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 4232nd of 10718 | 96 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3683rd of 16616 | 227 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 16994th of 24088 | 21 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 21740th of 23106 | 6 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2460th of 9204 | 230 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 695th of 12526 | 3,698 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 222nd of 19264 | 21,009 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 116th of 27321 | 40,617 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 221st of 35406 | 23,541 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 425th of 30306 | 9,015 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - |
45.98% 2388th/5194 |
- |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
63.12% 4616th/7313 |
- |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
71.73% 1109th/1546 |
- | - |
84.16% 1302nd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
22.45% 500th/2227 |
32.96% 801st/2430 |
32.53% 928th/2853 |
23.17% 643rd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
6.40% 188th/2937 |
8.13% 283rd/3483 |
5.97% 210th/3518 |
5.64% 228th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
2.80% 103rd/3685 |
3.78% 169th/4475 |
2.08% 108th/5194 |
2.25% 142nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
3.45% 158th/4582 |
4.22% 218th/5164 |
3.53% 258th/7313 |
3.56% 266th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
11.50% 458th/3984 |
12.01% 539th/4487 |
6.44% 439th/6822 |
5.67% 356th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Alaska across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Millennials (Gen Y) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been falling for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4232nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3683rd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 16994th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 21740th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2460th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 695th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 222nd out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 116th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 221st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 425th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.