Boy · 159th of 7,552
Kent
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
69,396
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1962
Peak Popularity Year
2,593
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Kent stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
The name Kent has its origins in Old English, derived from the word 'Cent,' which refers to a border or coastal district. It has evolved through historical forms, maintaining its connection to the region of Kent in England. The name embodies traits of strength and tradition, with no direct biblical relevance. It gained popularity during the early medieval period and continues to be recognized today.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/kɛnt/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Kent is derived from the Old English 'Cent', which is thought to refer to the Celtic word 'canto,' meaning 'border' or 'coastal district.' It is also associated with the historic county of Kent in southeastern England.
Meaning
border, coastal district
Language Evolution
Cent (Old English), Canto (Celtic), Kent (Modern English)
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in England during the early medieval period, particularly associated with the Anglo-Saxon kingdom of Kent, which was one of the earliest established kingdoms in England.
Variants & Derivatives
Kenton, Kente
Modern Popularity & Image
Kent is perceived as a traditional and strong name, often associated with the historical and cultural significance of the county. It remains a relatively common name in modern times.
Famous People
Kent Hrbek, Kent McCord, Kent Nagano
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 2,593 peak births in 1962
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 2 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 731st of 7545 | 1,254 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 277th of 6773 | 7,629 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 159th of 7552 | 34,802 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 242nd of 10718 | 14,482 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 459th of 16616 | 6,746 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 1037th of 24088 | 2,648 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1363rd of 23106 | 1,623 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 9107th of 9107 | 5 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 9204th of 9204 | 5 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 5919th of 12526 | 78 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 8765th of 19264 | 62 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 18891st of 27321 | 21 |