Kiel Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Kiel originates from German, meaning 'narrow strait or channel'. It evolved from the Old Germanic word 'kil' and has seen usage as both a first name and surname. It gained popularity in the 19th century, associated with the city of Kiel in Germany. The name is often viewed as strong and modern, with maritime connections. There is no biblical relevance.
The name Kiel is most popular in Washington, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy 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, Kiel has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled 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, 'Kiel' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6723rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3824th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 917th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3977th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 7344th out of 23106 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 16689th out of 27321 names. Discover how the name 'Kiel' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kiel"
Pronunciation
/kiːl/
Origin
German
Etymology
The name Kiel is derived from the Old Germanic word 'kil', which means 'a narrow strait or channel'.
Meaning
narrow strait or channel
Language Evolution
Kil (Old Germanic), Kiel (Modern German)
Historical Usage
The name Kiel gained popularity as a given name and surname in German-speaking regions, particularly in the 19th century, influenced by the prominence of the city of Kiel in northern Germany.
Variants & Derivatives
Kiele, Kiely, Keel
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kiel is perceived as a strong and modern name, often associated with maritime themes due to its connection to the city and its harbor.
Famous People
Kiel Martin, an American actor known for his role in the television series 'Hill Street Blues'., Kiel McClung, an American athlete and motivational speaker.
Explore More Kiel Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kiel"
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 of "Kiel"
"Kiel" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6723rd of 7552 | 10 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3824th of 10718 | 117 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 917th of 16616 | 1,884 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 3977th of 24088 | 360 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 7344th of 23106 | 128 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 16689th of 27321 | 30 |
Regional Popularity of "Kiel" by Generation for 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) |
18.64% 687th/3685 |
21.25% 951st/4475 |
28.28% 1469th/5194 |
14.28% 902nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
71.85% 3292nd/4582 |
- |
68.67% 5022nd/7313 |
45.88% 3424th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kiel" by Generation for 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 of "Kiel"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kiel" 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.