Meaning, origin, history
Kendale is a unisex given name of American origin. It is believed to have been created by combining the elements "Ken" and "dale", with "Ken" being a diminutive of Kenneth, which means "bold, strong" in Scottish Gaelic, and "dale" meaning "valley". However, Kendale is not simply a combination of these two elements; it was actually coined as a new name by an American author in the early 20th century.
The earliest known usage of the name Kendale can be found in the works of American author Edna Ferber. She used the name Kendale in her 1923 novel "Cimarron", which tells the story of a frontier family in Oklahoma. In the book, Kendale is the given name of one of the main characters, a young boy named Kendale Yancey.
Since its introduction in literature, Kendale has become a relatively uncommon but distinctive given name choice for both boys and girls. While it may not have a long history or deep-rooted meaning like some other names, Kendale's unique sound and American origins make it an appealing option for parents looking for something different for their child.
Overall, Kendale is a modern, unisex given name of American origin that combines elements of Scottish Gaelic and English. Its usage can be traced back to Edna Ferber's 1923 novel "Cimarron", where it was introduced as the given name of one of the main characters. Today, Kendale remains a distinctive and uncommon choice for parents seeking a unique name for their child.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Kendale since 1880
Total births
966
Total since 1880
Peak year
1996
37 births
in 2023
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
-16%
↘
vs previous 5 years