Kestrel is a unique and intriguing name of English origin. It is derived from the word "kestrel," which is a type of falcon found throughout Europe and Asia. Kestrels are known for their distinctive habit of hovering in mid-air while searching for prey, a behavior that has earned them the nickname "windhover."
The name Kestrel is believed to have been first used as a given name in the 20th century. It gained popularity during the counterculture movement of the 1960s and 1970s, when many people were drawn to nature-inspired names like Kestrel.
One notable bearer of the name Kestrel is American musician Kestrel Wilson, who was a member of the indie rock band The xx. However, despite its recent popularity, Kestrel remains a relatively uncommon name, with fewer than 100 people bearing the name in the United States alone.
In literature and popular culture, Kestrel has been used as a character name in several works, including the novel "The Foxhole Court" by Nicole Field and the video game "Dragon Age: Inquisition." These uses of the name may have contributed to its increasing familiarity in recent years. Overall, Kestrel is a striking and memorable name that reflects its natural origins while also conveying a sense of independence and freedom.
The name Kestrel has seen varied popularity over the years in the United States, with a total of 288 babies given this unique name between 1985 and 2023.
In its early years, Kestrel was quite uncommon, with only 6 births recorded in 1985 and 5 births each in 1986 and 1992. However, starting from the mid-1990s, we began to see a steady increase in the number of babies named Kestrel.
The year 1997 marked a significant turning point with 12 births, and this was followed by years with higher than average numbers: 9 births in 1999, 8 births in 2001, and 9 births in both 2003 and 2006.
The peak of popularity for the name Kestrel came recently, with 17 births recorded in 2014. This was followed by years with consistently high numbers: 16 births each in 2017 and 2022, and 15 births in 2023.
While it's clear that the name Kestrel has gained popularity over time, it remains relatively uncommon compared to more traditional names. This uniqueness could be part of its appeal for parents seeking distinctive options for their children.