Is King a boy, girl, or unisex name?

King is commonly used as a Boy name.

It's currently ranked #321 in the U.S. Recent trend: Falling.

King Boy

Popularity: #321 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: king //kɪŋ//

Origin: English; Old English

Meaning: Ruler; monarch

Historical & Cultural Background

The name King has its roots in the Old English word "cyning," which means "king" or "ruler." This term is derived from the Proto-Germanic *kuningaz, which also signifies a leader or sovereign. The evolution of the name can be traced through various linguistic stages, including Old Norse "konungr" and Middle English "kinge," before it entered the modern English lexicon as "king." The term has consistently been associated with authority and leadership throughout its history, reflecting the social hierarchies of various cultures.

Historically, the title of king has been significant in numerous cultures, particularly in medieval Europe, where kings were central figures in governance and warfare. The name King has been borne by various notable historical figures, including monarchs in England and other European nations.

The concept of kingship is also prominent in biblical texts, where figures such as King David and King Solomon are celebrated for their leadership and wisdom, influencing the cultural perception of the name. The King James Bible, published in the early 17th century, further solidified the term's prominence in English-speaking cultures, as it included numerous references to kings and their roles in society.

Culturally, the name King carries connotations of nobility, power, and respect. It has been used in various contexts, from literature to folklore, often symbolizing the ideal of a just and benevolent ruler.

The name's enduring presence in English-speaking societies can be attributed to its strong associations with authority and governance, as well as its historical significance in the context of leadership. Additionally, diminutive forms such as "Kenny" or "Kian" have emerged in some cultures, though they are less commonly recognized than the original form.

Overall, the name King encapsulates a rich tapestry of linguistic, historical, and cultural significance.

Famous people named King

King Solomon is a biblical figure best known for his wisdom, the Book of Proverbs, and the construction of the First Temple in Jerusalem.

King Tutankhamun is an ancient Egyptian pharaoh best known for his intact tomb discovered in the Valley of the Kings and the treasures within it.

King Charles III is the current monarch of the United Kingdom best known for his role in the British royal family and his environmental advocacy.

King Kong is a fictional giant ape best known for his appearances in films such as King Kong (1933), King Kong (2005), and Kong: Skull Island (2017).

King Crimson is a progressive rock band best known for their albums In the Court of the Crimson King, Red, and Discipline.

Fictional characters named King

King is a fictional character from the anime and manga series One Piece. He is a member of the Beast Pirates and serves as one of the main antagonists in the Wano Country arc.

King is a fictional character from the video game series The Legend of Zelda. He is often depicted as a ruler or leader within the various kingdoms in the franchise, playing significant roles in the overarching narrative.

Sibling suggestions

Prince Duke Knight Baron Lord Squire

Similar names

Ace Max Jett Rex Cash Zane Troy Beau

U.S. Historical Usage

The name King was first seen in the United States in 1880. King has ranked as high as #258 nationally, which occurred in 2017, and has been most popular in Texas, California, Florida, Georgia, and New York. In the past 5 years the name King has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for King (2024)

Year:

State	Births	Share
TX	118	12%
FL	114	12%
CA	88	9%
GA	76	8%
NY	57	6%
NC	46	5%
PA	36	4%
SC	33	3%
OH	32	3%
MI	29	3%
IL	26	3%
MD	23	2%
VA	23	2%
MO	23	2%
NV	21	2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

Year	Births
1880	27
1881	20
1882	26
1883	22
1884	25
1885	25
1886	23
1887	13
1888	27
1889	21
1890	21
1891	13
1892	26
1893	23
1894	20
1895	24
1896	24
1897	32
1898	27
1899	23
1900	33
1901	15
1902	29
1903	19
1904	24
1905	24
1906	28
1907	37
1908	37
1909	31
1910	47
1911	32
1912	72
1913	58
1914	74
1915	111
1916	102
1917	90
1918	89
1919	120
1920	108
1921	99
1922	114
1923	100
1924	109
1925	95
1926	113
1927	85
1928	81
1929	94
1930	90
1931	73
1932	67
1933	79
1934	91
1935	67
1936	71
1937	85
1938	91
1939	87
1940	75
1941	70
1942	105
1943	86
1944	82
1945	80
1946	78
1947	79
1948	84
1949	79
1950	90
1951	81
1952	93
1953	63
1954	77
1955	68
1956	59
1957	64
1958	53
1959	60
1960	52
1961	35
1962	59
1963	42
1964	77
1965	45
1966	37
1967	37
1968	42
1969	27
1970	31
1971	34
1972	41
1973	24
1974	25
1975	30
1976	26
1977	28
1978	36
1979	41
1980	28
1981	40
1982	53
1983	32
1984	31
1985	41
1986	31
1987	21
1988	30
1989	28
1990	47
1991	39
1992	40
1993	42
1994	50
1995	40
1996	38
1997	45
1998	52
1999	46
2000	74
2001	63
2002	57
2003	70
2004	77
2005	149
2006	219
2007	321
2008	329
2009	591
2010	706
2011	730
2012	1,434
2013	2,109
2014	2,438
2015	2,567
2016	2,671
2017	2,694
2018	2,612
2019	2,471
2020	2,264
2021	2,054
2022	1,653
2023	1,284
2024	1,001