Kendrick
Masculine
English
Meaning & Origin
Kendrick is a masculine given name of English origin, derived from a surname with multiple possible roots. It may originate from Old English names such as Cyneric (meaning 'royal power') or Cenric (meaning 'bold power'), or from the Welsh name Cynwrig (meaning 'chief hero'). Additionally, it can be an Anglicized form of the Gaelic surname Mac Eanraig, meaning 'son of Henry'. The earliest recorded spelling of the surname dates to 1279, when John Kendrich was listed in the Hundred Rolls of Cambridgeshire during the reign of King Edward I of England (source: Wikipedia extract).
Notable Bearers
As a given name, Kendrick has been borne by several notable individuals across various fields. The American rapper Kendrick Lamar (born 1987) is arguably the most famous contemporary bearer, whose debut album in 2012 boosted the name's popularity in the United States. Other notable figures with the surname include actresses Anna Kendrick (born 1985) and Alex Kendrick (born 1970, pastor and filmmaker), professional wrestler Brian Kendrick (born 1979), and American football player Derion Kendrick (born 2000) - all drawn from the Wikipedia extract.
Cultural Significance
The name Kendrick experienced a resurgence in the 21st century, particularly after 2012, thanks to the success of Kendrick Lamar. Lamar, known for his influential hip-hop albums such as good kid, m.A.A.d city and To Pimp a Butterfly, brought widespread attention to the name. Similar forms include the variant Kenrick and the feminine form Kendra. Despite its multiple origins, the name is most strongly associated with English-speaking countries and has maintained a steady presence in onomastics.
Meaning: royal power, bold power, chief hero, or son of Henry depending on origin
Origin: English, Welsh, Gaelic, or Scottish
Type: First name (masculine); also used as a surname
Usage regions: Predominantly English-speaking countries