Rising since 2007, #1,097 for boys today.
Popularity of Kit since 1880
Babies named Kit per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 10 |
| 1890s | 0 | 13 |
| 1900s | 0 | 5 |
| 1910s | 0 | 43 |
| 1920s | 25 | 79 |
| 1930s | 14 | 62 |
| 1940s | 199 | 416 |
| 1950s | 401 | 726 |
| 1960s | 229 | 370 |
| 1970s | 104 | 318 |
| 1980s | 66 | 260 |
| 1990s | 29 | 158 |
| 2000s | 55 | 117 |
| 2010s | 309 | 426 |
| 2020s | 885 | 943 |
Meaning & origin
Kit is a short, crisp name with British literary pedigree, originally a nickname for Christopher or Katherine. It has quietly risen in popularity in the United States since 2007, reaching its highest rank of 1097 in 2025. With a rarity of 1 in 8759, it remains an uncommon choice. The name is especially favored in Utah, Colorado, and Kentucky, suggesting a preference in the Mountain West and parts of the South. Its unisex nature and appealing sound make it a modern vintage revival that feels fresh without being trendy.
Kit originated as a medieval English nickname for Christopher or Katherine, similar to how 'Dick' is a nickname for Richard. The surname Kit or Kitte derives from Old English 'cyte' meaning 'kite' (bird of prey), or from the occupation of a kit-maker, a type of wooden container. As an independent given name, Kit gained use in the 17th century, notably through playwright Christopher 'Kit' Marlowe. In modern times, it saw a revival as a short, punchy unisex name.
Where Kit is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kit” around the world
Where Kit lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
7
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Sibling names for Kit
Names that share Kit's style, for a brother or sister.
