Holding steady, #6,838 for girls today.
Popularity of Kestrel since 1985
Babies named Kestrel per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 11 | 0 |
| 1990s | 43 | 0 |
| 2000s | 63 | 0 |
| 2010s | 115 | 5 |
| 2020s | 80 | 22 |
Meaning & origin
Kestrel is a rare English nature name taken from the small falcon known for its distinctive hovering flight. It first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1985 and saw its highest usage in 2019, though even that peak year it remained uncommon. The name has maintained a stable trajectory since the 2010s, never breaking into widespread use. Its 2025 rank of 6,838 reflects its continuing rarity, with about 1 in every 100,454 babies receiving the name. Kestrel fits a modern trend of bird names for girls, alongside choices like Wren and Lark.
Kestrel is a modern English adoption of the bird name, which entered the language from Middle French 'cresserelle' and ultimately from Latin 'crepitacillum' meaning 'little rattle.' The name has been used as a given name since the late 20th century, part of a trend toward nature and bird names for girls.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kess, Kes
Sibling names for Kestrel
Names that share Kestrel's style, for a brother or sister.
