Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kent
BoyEnglish· “from the English county”
- Meaning
- from the English county
- Origin
- English
- Pronunciation
- KENT
- Syllables
- 1
- US rank 2025
- #1,659
- US babies 2025
- 101
- Best rank
- #136 (1962)
- Peak year
- 1962
Meaning and origin of Kent
Kent is an English name that is usually said to mean “from the English county”.
Kent comes from the name of the English county, one of the oldest recorded place names in Britain, derived from the ancient Cantium. Its meaning is uncertain but is often connected with a word for 'edge' or 'border', referring to the coastal region. As a first name Kent has a crisp, mid-century American feel. Clark Kent, the everyday identity of Superman, is the most famous fictional bearer. Kent is short and strong.
Popularity over time
Kent first appears in US Social Security records in 1885. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 97 different years, starting in 1891. Its best national rank was #136 in 1962, the same year it reached its highest count of 2,587 babies. In 2025, 101 babies were named Kent, and it ranked #1,659 nationally. That is 36% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #670 in 1920, #180 in 1950, #357 in 1980, #774 in 2000, #1,329 in 2010, and #1,659 in 2025. Of the 69,322 US boys named Kent since records began, 28% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1950s come next, with 18,691 babies. Since 2010, 2,099 more have been named Kent.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Kirk, Reginald, Gregg, Doug, and Dwayne.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kent ranked highest in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Illinois.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Pennsylvania | #1341 | 5 |
| Ohio | #1382 | 5 |
| Illinois | #1394 | 5 |
| Texas | #1707 | 10 |
| California | #1757 | 9 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Kent is usually pronounced KENT, with one syllable. It has four letters, starts with K and ends in “-nt”.
Middle names for Kent
A few middle names that flow with Kent: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kent
Similar names
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Lists that include Kent
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kent mean?
Kent is an English name that is usually said to mean “from the English county”.
What is the origin of the name Kent?
Kent has English roots. Kent comes from the name of the English county, one of the oldest recorded place names in Britain, derived from the ancient Cantium.
Is Kent a popular name?
Not especially. Kent ranked #1,659 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Kent a boy or girl name?
Kent is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Kent?
Kent is usually pronounced KENT. 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