Kendrick
/ˈkɛn.dɹɪk/
Kendrick has multiple possible origins: from the Old English Cyneric (“royal ruler”), from the Welsh Cynwrig (“chief champion”), or from the Scottish surname Mac Eanraig.
The name was used in medieval England and Wales before becoming established as an English surname. Its 20th-century rise as a given name drew on all these traditions simultaneously.
Kendrick peaked at No. 318 in 2013 with 1,047 births. In 2024 it ranks No. 478 with 641 births, somewhat below its mid-2010s high.
What the name Kendrick means
Rapper Kendrick Lamar, widely regarded as one of hip-hop’s greatest lyricists, has been the dominant cultural force behind the name since 2012. His Pulitzer Prize elevated it further.
Two syllables - KEN-drik - are strong and rhythmic. The dental opening and hard final consonant give it an assertive, decisive quality.
The name’s decline from peak coincides with Kendrick Lamar’s reduced album output. Whether his continued influence sustains it remains to be seen.
Beyond music, Kendrick carries genuine medieval pedigree. Parents who look past the rapper find a name with Old English and Welsh royal connections.
US popularity over time
Numerology and symbolism
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Famous people named Kendrick
Kendrick - similar names
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