Kyle is a name of Scottish origin, derived from the Scottish Gaelic word "caol" which means "narrow" or "slender". It was originally used as a surname, referring to someone who lived near a narrow piece of land or waterway.
The name Kyle became popular as a given name in the United States during the 1950s and 1960s. Before this time, it was primarily used as a surname. Today, Kyle is considered a unisex name but is more commonly used for boys.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Kyle. For instance, Kyle MacLachlan is an American actor known for his role in the television series "Twin Peaks". There is also Kyle Chandler, another American actor who played Coach Taylor in the TV show "Friday Night Lights".
In popular culture, the name Kyle has been featured in various movies and books. One notable example is the character Kyle Rayner from the DC Comics series Green Lantern.
Overall, Kyle is a strong, masculine-sounding name with a rich history dating back to medieval Scotland. Its unique meaning makes it an appealing choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their child.
The name Kyle has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century and a half. Between 1881 and 1900, there were fewer than 10 births per year with the name Kyle. However, starting from 1902, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Kyle each year.
From 1902 to 1946, the number of annual births with the name Kyle ranged between 7 and 153 births per year. The peak during this period occurred in 1947, with 151 births. After that, there was a significant rise in popularity for the name Kyle.
Starting from 1950, the number of babies named Kyle began to climb steadily. In 1950, there were 239 births; by 1960, this number had more than quadrupled to 1263 births per year. The popularity of the name Kyle continued to rise throughout the 1960s and 1970s, reaching an all-time high in 1983 with 12373 births.
However, after this peak, there was a decline in the number of babies named Kyle each year. In 1990, there were 22709 births; by 2000, this had decreased to 11969 births per year. This downward trend continued into the 2000s and 2010s, with the total number of babies named Kyle each year dropping below 3000 in 2011.
Despite this decline in popularity, Kyle remains a widely used name in the United States. As of 2023, there have been over 484416 births with the name Kyle in total since records began. This demonstrates that while trends may change over time, classic names like Kyle can maintain enduring appeal.