The Name Kenton: Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Kenton is a classic English boy's name that has gained steady popularity over the past several decades. With its strong, masculine sound and upstanding connotations, Kenton makes an excellent choice for parents seeking a distinguished yet approachable name for their son.

Origin and Meaning

Kenton is an English surname-turned-first name, derived from the Old English place name "Ceantūn," meaning "the farmstead or town of the Kentish people." The name likely originated as a surname for someone who lived in the region of Kent in southern England.

While not as commonly used as a first name historically, Kenton began rising in popularity in the United States in the mid-20th century. Today, it is considered a classic yet somewhat uncommon male name.

Name Popularity

In 2022, Kenton ranked #1763 in popularity for baby boys in the United States, with 8 newborns receiving the name. While not among the most popular monikers, Kenton has enjoyed a steady, gradual increase in usage over the past several decades.

The name experienced its peak in popularity in the 1990s, reaching the top 500 names for boys. Since then, Kenton has remained a familiar but not overly common choice for American parents.

Notable Name Bearers

Some well-known people with the first name Kenton include:

• Kenton Duty, American actor known for his role on the Disney Channel series "Shake It Up"
• Kenton Duty, American singer-songwriter and musician
• Kenton Cummins, American professional basketball player

Name Style and Traits

Kenton is a classic, masculine name that evokes images of strength and integrity. It has a straight-laced, distinguished style that may appeal to parents seeking a traditional yet not overly common name.

Kenton is often associated with traits like reliability, leadership, and ambition. The name has an authoritative yet approachable sound that could suit a variety of personality types, from the studious scholar to the charismatic go-getter.

How Kenton Sounds

The name Kenton flows well with many common middle and last names. Its strong, two-syllable structure pairs nicely with shorter one- or two-syllable middle names, as well as more formal or longer last names. Some sample pairings include:

• Kenton James Holcomb
• Kenton William Broussard
• Kenton Alexander Montague

Cultural References

While not as widely referenced in pop culture as some other names, Kenton does have some interesting historical and literary connections:

• The name Kenton is associated with Simon Kenton, an American pioneer, settler, and milidata fighter during the Revolutionary War and early 19th century.
• Kenton is the name of a fictional American businessman in the novel "The Financier" by Theodore Dreiser.

Alternative Name Ideas

If you like the classic, authoritative style of the name Kenton, you may also consider:

• Winston - Another strong, traditional English name
• Everett - A masculine name with similar upstanding connotations
• Derrick - A name of English origin with a similar sound and style