Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kendal

Kendal is an alternate spelling of Kendall (whereby one of the “l”s is dropped off the end). The name Kendall is the transferred use of an English surname originating as a location name in England and is associated with one of two places. The town of Kendal in Cumbria was so named because it lied in the valley of the river Kent. The name is derived from the river’s ancient name “Cunetio” paired with the Olde English “dael” which means “valley”. Or from the place called Kendale in Driffield (northern England) which derives its name from the Old Norse “kelda” meaning “spring” and “dalr” meaning “valley” – translation: valley of the spring. In any case, the surname Kendal dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Another possible etymology for the name could be derived from the Welsh forename “Cynddelw”. Although the meaning is uncertain, it’s thought to come from the Old Celtic words for ‘high, exalted’ and “delw” meaning “image, effigy”.

All About the Baby Name – Kendal

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME KENDAL

The Number 2 personality in numerology is all about cooperation and balance. It's the number of diplomats and mediators. They are not leaders, but strive rather for harmony in partnerships. These are the peacemakers. Equality and fairness are important in their dealings, and they are willing to share power and responsibility to achieve a harmonious outcome. This personality is calm and patient, waiting for things to evolve instead of pushing aggressively for an outcome. They are good-natured and easy-going, and care deeply on an emotional and spiritual plane. Twos appreciate beauty and nature and are intent on making the world a better place.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME KENDAL

Both Kendall and Kendal have a history as being gender-neutral names in the U.S., although since the mid-1990s Kendal with one l has turned more feminine. In fact, the more traditional spelling of Kendall with two I’s is far more common for baby girls at this point compared to their baby boy counterparts (even though for most of the 20th century Kendall was considered almost exclusively masculine). Kendall is one of those male names turned unisex names turned more female over time. American parents have a knack for hijacking unisex-sounding names and overly feminizing them through wider usage until parents of little boys eventually become turned off by the name. Kendall may already be headed in that direction. The Kendal spelling disappeared from the boy’s chart in 1996 and the Kyndall spelling came along in 2010 followed by the even more "kutesier" version of Kendyl in 2011. Not to mention one of the over-exposed Kardashian girls is named Kendall.

Quick Facts

ON KENDAL

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

847

PRONUNCIATION:

KEHN-dәl

SIMPLE MEANING:

Kent valley; Spring valley; Image of praise

Characteristics

OF KENDAL

Cooperative

Considerate

Compassionate

Nurturing

Sensitive

Patient

Loving

Kind

Gracious

Balanced

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kendal

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KENDAL

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Kendal

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KENDAL

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kendal


Popular Songs

ON KENDAL

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Kendal


Famous People

NAMED KENDAL

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Children of Famous People

NAMED KENDAL

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Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KENDAL

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Kendal