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Kenton Boy

Popularity: #854 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Origin(s)

PronunciationKEN-tun / /ˈkɛntən/

English; Old English

Meaning

English: town of the Kent people; Old English: royal town

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kenton has its roots in Old English, derived from the elements "cyn" meaning "kin" or "family" and "tun" meaning "enclosure" or "settlement." This etymology suggests a meaning akin to "settlement of the family" or "town of kin." The name likely evolved through various forms, with early instances appearing in medieval England, where it was used as both a surname and a given name. The transition into modern English can be traced through the Norman influence on the English language, where many Old English names were adapted or altered.

Historically, Kenton appears in various records from the Middle Ages, with notable mentions in the Domesday Book of 1086, which documented landholdings in England. The name has been associated with several locations in England, particularly in Devon and Northumberland, which further solidified its use as a place name and subsequently as a personal name. The name's presence in historical texts and its association with geographical locations contributed to its endurance through the centuries.

Culturally, Kenton carries connotations of community and familial ties, reflecting the importance of kinship in medieval society. The name has been used in various literary works and has appeared in different forms, including diminutives like Ken. Its historical significance is underscored by its association with the English landscape and the social structures of the time, making it a name that evokes a sense of heritage and belonging.

Trend Summary

Kenton has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, with a modest presence in baby name rankings.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Kenton

International Variants

Famous people named Kenton

Kenton Chen is a singer and songwriter best known for his work on The Voice and his music career.

Kenton Duty is an actor best known for his roles in Shake It Up and The Last Ship.

Fictional characters named Kenton

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kenton was first seen in the United States in 1912. Kenton has ranked as high as #1207 nationally, which occurred in 2014, and has been most popular in California, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. In the past 5 years the name Kenton has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kenton (2024)

StateBirthsShare
OH 6
29%
IN 5
24%
PA 5
24%
TX 5
24%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19128
191311
191412
191515
191614
191715
191822
191924
192022
192126
192228
192316
192424
192532
192615
192722
192830
192924
193018
193147
193241
193338
193430
193541
193642
193745
193833
193946
194035
194144
194248
194369
194467
194559
194690
194791
194881
194997
195098
1951133
1952122
1953124
1954156
1955145
1956151
1957150
1958174
1959157
1960157
1961136
1962152
1963174
1964151
1965129
1966115
1967121
1968122
1969111
197098
1971116
197283
197385
197488
197591
197682
197793
1978100
197998
1980121
1981110
1982125
1983146
1984166
1985136
1986148
1987147
1988144
1989150
1990139
1991152
1992134
1993133
1994140
1995156
1996139
1997145
1998142
1999132
2000142
2001114
2002109
2003133
2004131
2005122
2006139
2007125
2008136
2009152
2010111
2011136
2012163
2013163
2014188
2015182
2016159
2017137
2018128
2019126
2020115
202196
202296
202375
202470