Kendal is a unisex English name derived from the surname Kendall, which itself originated as a place name. The town of Kendal in Cumbria, historically known as Kirkby in Kendal, sits in the valley of the River Kent; its name means "valley on the river Kent." The surname became a given name, and Kendal has been used for both boys and girls.
As a surname, Kendal first appeared in records as a locational name for individuals from the town. The given name gained modest popularity in the late 20th century, particularly as a feminine name in the United States. This boost is often attributed to the character Kendall Hart on the soap opera All My Children in the 1990s, though the name itself is much older.
Kendal is a variant form of Kendall, sharing the same meaning and origin. According to the Domesday Book of 1086, the area was within Yorkshire; later, the Barony of Kendal was formed. The historical connection to the English town gives the name a geographic and aristocratic flavor.
- Meaning: Valley on the river Kent
- Origin: English place name and surname
- Type: Unisex given name
- Usage regions: English-speaking countries
Roots
Sources: Wikipedia — Kendal