Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kendrick
BoyEnglish, Welsh· “royal ruler”
- Meaning
- royal ruler
- Origin
- English, Welsh
- Pronunciation
- KEHN-drihk
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #535
- US babies 2025
- 559
- Best rank
- #318 (2013)
- Peak year
- 2013
Meaning and origin of Kendrick
Kendrick is an English and Welsh name that is usually said to mean “royal ruler”.
Kendrick has more than one source. In England it can come from the Old English Cyneric, royal ruler; in Wales it is linked to Cynwrig, whose meaning is less clear; and in Scotland it appears as a form of MacKendrick. The surname eventually became a given name, and in recent years the rapper Kendrick Lamar has brought it wide attention. The name has a strong, modern sound while resting on genuinely old foundations. Kendrick is easy to spell and pronounce, and Ken or Rick are available as nicknames if you want something shorter. It pairs naturally with both classic and contemporary middle names.
Popularity over time
Kendrick first appears in US Social Security records in 1912. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 62 different years, starting in 1964. Its best national rank was #318 in 2013, the same year it reached its highest count of 1,047 babies. In 2025, 559 babies were named Kendrick, and it ranked #535 nationally. That is 36% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #1,793 in 1920, #1,452 in 1950, #369 in 1980, #459 in 2000, #518 in 2010, and #535 in 2025. Of the 33,557 US boys named Kendrick since records began, 23% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 6,237 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Reed, Zaiden, Kellen, Kamden, and Anderson.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kendrick ranked highest in Maryland, Alabama, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland | #337 | 16 |
| Alabama | #350 | 16 |
| New Jersey | #351 | 24 |
| Tennessee | #377 | 22 |
| Virginia | #400 | 20 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Kendrick over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
Kendrick is usually pronounced KEHN-drihk, with two syllables. It has eight letters, starts with K and ends in “-ck”.
Middle names for Kendrick
A few middle names that flow with Kendrick: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kendrick
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Lists that include Kendrick
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kendrick mean?
Kendrick is an English and Welsh name that is usually said to mean “royal ruler”.
What is the origin of the name Kendrick?
Kendrick has English, Welsh, and Scottish roots. Kendrick has more than one source.
Is Kendrick a popular name?
Yes. Kendrick ranked #535 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kendrick a boy or girl name?
Kendrick is mainly a boy's name. About 99% of US babies named Kendrick over the last 20 years were boys, with a small share of girls.
How do you pronounce Kendrick?
Kendrick is usually pronounced KEHN-drihk. 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