Kincade is an uncommon and distinctive given name of Scottish origin. It is derived from the Scottish surname "Kenneth", which means "handsome" or "winning". The name Kenneth itself is composed of two elements: "kenn", meaning "handsome", and "-et", a diminutive suffix.
The history of the name Kincade can be traced back to the Middle Ages in Scotland. It was originally used as a surname, given to families who lived near a fort or stronghold called Kennoch. Over time, the name evolved from Kenneth into various forms such as Kinchad, Kinkead, and eventually Kincade.
As a given name, Kincade is relatively rare but has been used in some parts of the English-speaking world, particularly in Scotland and among Scottish immigrants in other countries like Canada and Australia. It is often chosen for its unique sound and historical significance.
In popular culture, there are no prominent characters or figures named Kincade that would significantly influence its usage or perception as a name. Therefore, it remains largely independent of associations with specific personalities or traits. Instead, people who bear the name Kincade are likely to be seen as individuals with a connection to Scottish heritage and a unique identity all their own.
Statistics on the name Kincade show a varied trend of popularity over time in the United States. The name first saw a peak in usage with five births each year from 1995 to 1997, indicating that it was being considered as an option by parents during this period.
Interest in the name Kincade appeared to increase significantly in the late 1990s and early 2000s. The number of births with this name rose to a high of 17 in 2002, showing that it was becoming more popular among new parents during these years.
However, like many names, Kincade's popularity began to decline after reaching its peak. Between 2006 and 2011, the number of births with this name fluctuated between six and ten each year, indicating a stabilization in its usage.
The trend continued into recent years, with the number of births with the name Kincade ranging from five to nine annually between 2014 and 2023. This suggests that while Kincade may not be as popular as it once was, it still maintains a steady presence among new parents' choices.
In total, there have been 216 births with the name Kincade in the United States since 1995, demonstrating that while its popularity has varied over time, it remains a recognizable and used option for parents.