The name Kendal has its origins in the Celtic languages of ancient Britain. It is derived from the Welsh word "cyn" meaning "chief" or "leader" and the Old English word "dāl" meaning "valley" or "dale." The name was likely first used to refer to someone who lived in or ruled over a particular valley or region.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kendal can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of land and property undertaken in England in 1086 by order of William the Conqueror. The Domesday Book mentions a place called "Chendal" or "Kenedal," which is believed to be the modern-day town of Kendal in Cumbria, England. This suggests that the name was already in use as a place name by the 11th century.

In the 12th century, a Benedictine monk named Kendal was recorded as being part of the community at St. Benet's Abbey in Norfolk, England. This is one of the earliest known examples of the name being used as a personal name.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Kendal. One of the earliest was Kendal Higham, an English clergyman who lived in the 14th century and served as the Archdeacon of Derby from 1351 to 1358.

In the 16th century, Kendal Pye was a renowned English composer and organist who served as the organist at the Chapel Royal during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.

During the English Civil War in the 17th century, Kendal Fenwick was a Member of Parliament and a supporter of the Parliamentarian cause. He was born in 1598 and died in 1677.

In the 19th century, Kendal Briggs was an American inventor and engineer who is credited with developing the first successful cotton-ginning machine, which revolutionized the cotton industry. He was born in 1808 and died in 1888.

Another notable figure named Kendal was Kendal Burt, an American artist and illustrator who was active in the early 20th century. He was born in 1881 and died in 1958.