K
Unisex
English
Meaning & History
Kendall is a unisex given name of English origin derived from the city of Kendal in Cumbria, northwestern England. The place name is traditionally interpreted to mean "valley on the River Kent," from the river name Kent (possibly a Celtic word meaning "border" or "coast") and Old English dæl meaning "valley." Surnames evolved from this locale were borne by families in the region, and later came into use as a first name.
Historically, Kendall was primarily a masculine name, though its use for girls began to rise in the late 20th century. A notable boost in feminine usage occurred in 1993 when the character Kendall Hart (a devious young woman) debuted on the American soap opera All My Children. By the 2010s, Kendall had become more common for girls than boys in the United States while remaining unisex.
Historically, Kendall was primarily a masculine name, though its use for girls began to rise in the late 20th century. A notable boost in feminine usage occurred in 1993 when the character Kendall Hart (a devious young woman) debuted on the American soap opera All My Children. By the 2010s, Kendall had become more common for girls than boys in the United States while remaining unisex.
Etymology and Origins
The name derives from the surname Kendall, which itself comes from the medieval market town of Kendal in Cumbria. Recorded in the Domesday Book as Cherchebi ("church village") but later renamed after the River Kent. The etymology aligns with many English local surnames that identify the bearer's place of origin.Notable Bearers
- Kendall Coyne Schofield (b. 1992) – American Olympic gold medalist in ice hockey (shooter).
- Kendall Jenner (b. 1995) – American model and media personality, member of the Kardashian-Jenner family.
- Kendall Schmidt (b. 1990) – American actor and singer, known for the TV series Big Time Rush.
- Kendall Cross (b. 1968) – American Olympic gold medalist in wrestling.
- Kendall Gill (b. 1968) – American former NBA basketball player.
- Kendall Vertes (b. 2002) – American dancer and reality TV star (Dance Moms).
- Many other athletes, musicians, and actors have borne the name, reflecting its broad cross-gender and cross-era appeal.
Cultural Significance
The name's gender skew shifted markedly in the 1990s and 2000s, influenced by pop culture. Kendall also appears as a character in other media:- Kendall Hart on All My Children – a key catalyst for feminine use.
- Kendall Casablancas on Veronica Mars – supporting character.
- Various K‐names (Kylie, Kendal, Kendre) follow similar trends in American naming.
- Key Facts About the Name Kendall:
- Meaning: "Valley on the River Kent"
- Origin/Type: English, locational surname used as given name
- Gender Use: Unisex (originally masculine, now predominantly feminine in the US, still used for boys) Regions: English-speaking world (especially United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia)
Related Names
Roots
Sources: Wikipedia — Kendall (given name)
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