Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kingston is an Old English name that means 'king's town'. It evolved from its Old English roots through various historical forms. The name is associated with traits of leadership and strength, and it does not have biblical relevance. It gained popularity as a given name in the 20th century and is currently viewed positively.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɪŋstən/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Kingston derives from the Old English 'cyning' meaning 'king' and 'tun' meaning 'town' or 'settlement'. Therefore, it translates to 'king's town'.
Meaning
king's town
Language Evolution
Cyningestun (Old English), Kingestun (Middle English), Kingston (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Kingston has been used as a place name in England since the medieval period, gaining prominence as a given name in the 20th century.
Variants & Derivatives
Kingstun, Kinston
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kingston is perceived as a strong and regal name, often associated with leadership and nobility.
Famous People
Kingston Rossdale, son of musician Gwen Stefani, Kingston Heath, notable sports figure
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 3,416 peak births in 2021
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Hawaii
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 9 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (6 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 6 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 | 6197th of 7545 | 14 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4794th of 6773 | 29 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4826th of 7552 | 38 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 6919th of 10718 | 28 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4552nd of 16616 | 165 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 439th of 24088 | 9,645 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 135th of 23106 | 34,709 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 16381st of 35406 | 64 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9484th of 30306 | 129 |
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) |
- | - | - |
48.01% 3033rd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
9.97% 457th/4582 |
13.96% 721st/5164 |
5.37% 393rd/7313 |
5.84% 436th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
3.46% 138th/3984 |
6.26% 281st/4487 |
1.29% 88th/6822 |
3.14% 197th/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 Hawaii across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Alpha generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been consistently rising. From 2020-2022, usage has been falling for male in MidWest, falling for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, falling for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been too falling for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, too falling for male in South, too falling for male in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 6197th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4794th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4826th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 6919th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4552nd out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 439th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 135th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 16381st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9484th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.