Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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
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
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
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 (2 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 2 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
41.03% 581st/1416 |
53.59% 739th/1379 |
60.69% 1436th/2366 |
37.65% 430th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
12.48% 193rd/1546 |
18.64% 290th/1556 |
22.31% 525th/2353 |
10.28% 159th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
5.07% 113th/2227 |
9.22% 224th/2430 |
8.41% 240th/2853 |
4.40% 122nd/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
5.58% 164th/2937 |
9.02% 314th/3483 |
9.35% 329th/3518 |
6.01% 243rd/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
8.60% 317th/3685 |
11.78% 527th/4475 |
10.28% 534th/5194 |
6.93% 438th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
21.24% 973rd/4582 |
22.70% 1172nd/5164 |
17.01% 1244th/7313 |
12.14% 906th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
31.85% 1269th/3984 |
35.10% 1575th/4487 |
22.05% 1504th/6822 |
19.93% 1251st/6276 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female 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) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
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 Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Baby Boomers generation in the West 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 too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 731st out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 277th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 159th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 242nd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 459th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1037th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1363rd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 9107th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 9204th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 5919th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 8765th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 18891st out of 27321 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.