Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Kendra
GirlEnglish, American (modern coinage)· “modern; possibly feminine of Kendrick”
- Meaning
- modern; possibly feminine of Kendrick (origin disputed)
- Origin
- English, American (modern coinage)
- Pronunciation
- KEHN-druh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #849
- US babies 2025
- 320
- Best rank
- #77 (1987)
- Peak year
- 1987
Meaning and origin of Kendra
Kendra is often said to mean “modern; possibly feminine of Kendrick”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and American (modern coinage) roots.
Kendra is a modern English name whose origin is not certain. It is often explained as a feminine form of Kendrick, a surname with Welsh and Old English roots, or as a blend of Ken with names like Sandra. Some sources connect it to Old English words for knowledge, but that is speculative. Kendra came into use in the United States in the mid twentieth century and has a crisp, confident sound. It sits comfortably with names such as Kelsey and Kendall, and Kenni or Ken are possible nicknames.
Popularity over time
Kendra first appears in US Social Security records in 1936. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 79 different years, starting in 1946. Its best national rank was #77 in 1987, the same year it reached its highest count of 3,841 babies. In 2025, 320 babies were named Kendra, and it ranked #849 nationally. That is 67% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #931 in 1950, #154 in 1980, #187 in 2000, #207 in 2010, and #849 in 2025. Of the 98,438 US girls named Kendra since records began, 25% were born in the 1980s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 23,972 babies. Since 2010, 12,723 more have been named Kendra.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Natasha, Mallory, Bethany, Felicia, and Krista.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kendra ranked highest in Ohio, Texas, and Indiana.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kendra is usually pronounced KEHN-druh, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-ra”.
Middle names for Kendra
A few middle names that flow with Kendra: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kendra
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Lists that include Kendra
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kendra mean?
Kendra is often said to mean “modern; possibly feminine of Kendrick”; the origin is uncertain, though it is usually linked to English and American (modern coinage) roots.
What is the origin of the name Kendra?
Kendra has English and modern American roots. Kendra is a modern English name whose origin is not certain.
Is Kendra a popular name?
Yes. Kendra ranked #849 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kendra a boy or girl name?
Kendra is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kendra?
Kendra is usually pronounced KEHN-druh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings