King Boy
Origin(s)
Pronunciationking / /kɪŋ/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.
Trend Summary
The name King has seen a rise in popularity in the United States over recent years.
Similar Names
Variants
- Kingston
International Variants
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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
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)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 118 | |
| FL | 114 | |
| CA | 88 | |
| GA | 76 | |
| NY | 57 | |
| NC | 46 | |
| PA | 36 | |
| SC | 33 | |
| OH | 32 | |
| MI | 29 | |
| IL | 26 | |
| MD | 23 | |
| VA | 23 | |
| MO | 23 | |
| NV | 21 |
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 |