Declining since 1988, #849 for girls today.
Popularity of Kendra since 1936
Babies named Kendra per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 33 |
| 1940s | 523 |
| 1950s | 1,568 |
| 1960s | 5,334 |
| 1970s | 15,661 |
| 1980s | 24,387 |
| 1990s | 23,972 |
| 2000s | 14,237 |
| 2010s | 10,188 |
| 2020s | 2,535 |
Meaning & origin
Kendra is a 20th-century coinage that rose to prominence in the postwar era. First recorded in 1936, it entered the U.S. name charts as a feminine alternative to the masculine Kendrick. The name saw its peak popularity in 1987, when it ranked among the top 200 names for girls. Since 1988, however, its usage has steadily declined, and by 2025 it ranked 849th, given to roughly 1 in every 5,023 newborn girls. Kendra has been most popular in states such as Arkansas, Indiana, and Ohio, reflecting a regional preference in the Midwest and South. Its sound fits the broader trend of names ending in 'a' that were fashionable in the late 20th century. While less common today, Kendra remains a recognizable and straightforward name with a strong, confident meaning.
Kendra originated as a feminine form of the English surname Kendrick, which itself derives from the Old Welsh name Cynwrig, composed of elements meaning 'chief' and 'ruler' or 'hero'. It emerged as a given name in the United States in the early 20th century, likely influenced by the rise of surname-based names for girls. Kendra gained steady popularity through the mid-1900s and peaked in the 1980s.
Where Kendra is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kendra” around the world
Where Kendra lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Ken, Kenny, Kena, Dree
Variants: Kendrah
Sibling names for Kendra
Names that share Kendra's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kelsey, Brittany, Megan, Lauren, Courtney, Cierra, Jaylyn, Jenelle, Jenessa, Kandace, Kandice, Kassie, Keosha, Kylee, Audrea, Breona, Breonna, Darlena, Denae, Jenae, Jenell, Kalynn, Keandra, Keirsten, Kindra, Kylene, Kyli, Kyndra, Maelynn, Tandra, Tarsha, Terrica, Alaynna, Ambur, Aricka, Brena, Caleah, Chaundra, Chayla, Chrissa, Delissa, Denesha, Dondra, Elesha, Jacelynn, Jaelene, Jalicia, Kabrina, Kammy, Karalee, Kasondra, Kathya, Kedra, Keela, Kendrea, Kennya, Keshawna, Kevina, Kiandra, Kierston, Kimm, Korrie, Korrina, Korrine, Krissa, Latasia, Leandrea, Lesleigh, Lynnae, Marquia, Meighan, Natarsha, Nikesha, Nikkita, Ragen, Shakena, Sharina, Shawndra, Shawntell, Sundra, Takeshia, Terrika, Alizay, Allaina, Aundria, Brenya, Brionne, Cabrina, Cendy, Chaela, Charonda, Chayna, Chondra, Cindel, Coreena, Danitra, Darlen, Deanndra, Denea, Denisia, Derica, Janeal, Jaylenne, Jenicka, Kailynne, Kairy, Kameka, Kandise, Kaprice, Karenna, Karlea, Karrissa, Katerra, Kaylina, Kenitra, Ketra, Keundra, Kevonna, Keyondra, Kieanna, Kimela, Kimra, Korena, Krisandra, Leandria, Nickayla, Quandra, Samanda, Shandreka, Vernisha, Airika, Cambrea, Kasheena, Katoria, Toneka, Alysen, Andrya, Briawna, Carena, Charmeka, Deerica, Devony, Deyna, Jadelin, Jesseka, Kadeshia, Karle, Katora, Kaydra, Kebrina, Keidra, Kenetra, Kenndra, Kenora, Kenyona, Kerisha, Kerline, Ketrina, Kiffany, Kimbly, Kimbria, Kimla, Kiondra, Kyandra, Kylina, Lakasha, Laurana, Leanndra, Mylisa, Raynah, Shacoria, Shakevia, Shakeyla, Shantice, Shanty, Shermika, Tanequa, Teandra, Tericka, Trissa, Tylisa
Brothers: Kyle, Kevin, Brandon, Derek, Tyler, Dallen, Dalvin, Darnell, Deon, Donell, Kelton, Kolten, Randon, Brodrick, Dereon, Dwan, Errick, Javaris, Kedrick, Kenrick, Kentrell, Korbyn, Markeith, Raquan, Branton, Deavon, Erek, Gerrod, Jadrian, Jontavious, Kadrian, Katrell, Kenard, Kendarius, Kendon, Kendrell, Kenon, Kenson, Keontae, Keshun, Kevonte, Koran, Tirrell, Trenell, Trequan, Tylyn, Antrell, Brynden, Daaron, Dreden, Ebon, Gerod, Gerron, Jakell, Javarion, Kandon, Karsin, Kelvon, Kendre, Kentrel, Keny, Kurtiss, Travone, Cordaryl, Keithon, Quentavious, Cartrell, Cordarious, Cordarryl, Dontravious, Jabron, Jaquavian, Jaquese, Jontay, Kalven, Karnell, Kedron, Kelvis, Kelvyn, Kentravious, Kenzel, Klever, Rodgerick, Zedric
Names like Kendra
Names whose popularity has moved with Kendra's over the last 50 years.
