Last Names

Surnames / K

Kendall

What is the origin of the last name Kendall?

English originLocational (a place or landscape)Rank #1,126 in the US

Meaning and origin

The surname Kendall has English and Scottish origins, deriving from the Olde English personal name Cyneheard, meaning "royal protector" or "royal brave." It can also be derived from the Scottish Gaelic personal name Mac Dhòmhnaill, meaning "son of Donald." The name Kendall was first recorded in the Domesday Book in 1086 and has since been present in various forms throughout history, such as Kendal and Kendel.

The longer story

The last name "Kendall" has English origins and is considered a locational surname. Locational surnames were often derived from the name of the place where the original bearer lived or was associated with. In the case of "Kendall," it is believed to have originated from the combination of two Old English words: "Cumbrian" and "geond," which mean "valley" and "beyond" respectively.

The name "Kendall" can be traced back to the medieval period, and evidence suggests it was predominantly found in the northern regions of England, particularly in the counties of West Yorkshire and Cumbria. These areas were known for their scenic landscapes and picturesque valleys, which likely contributed to the choice of "Kendall" as a surname.

According to a study conducted by the U.S. However, it is worth mentioning that surname frequencies can change over time due to factors such as immigration patterns and cultural shifts.

Surname origins are rarely settled: one spelling can have several sources, and families often took a name for reasons nobody wrote down. Check it against the sources below before you rely on it.

Similar spellings

#1,126

Kendall was the 1,126th most common surname in the 2010 US Census, with 31,209 people, about 11 in every 100,000.

Who carries it

  • White (non-Hispanic)85.7%
  • Hispanic or Latino2.0%
  • Black (non-Hispanic)8.9%
  • Asian or Pacific Islander0.8%
  • Two or more races2.0%
  • American Indian or Alaska Native0.5%

Where it is found

Countries linked to Kendall.

Surnames like Kendall

Names it is linked with, then names with the same origin and a similar standing.

Check the sources

For a name you are serious about, compare the dictionaries: Reaney and Wilson, A Dictionary of English Surnames; Hanks, Dictionary of American Family Names.