Find out how popular the first name Kent has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kent by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kent is more commonly used as a male name, with approximately 100% of people named Kent being male.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 102 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kent.

The history of the first name Kent

The name Kent is derived from the Old English word "Cent" or "Cant", which means a coastal district or county. It is believed to have originated as a geographical name referring to the southeastern county of Kent in England, known for its picturesque coastline along the English Channel.

Kent has been a popular name in England for centuries, and it is likely that some of the earliest bearers of this name were residents or originated from the county of Kent. The name gained wider popularity during the Middle Ages, and it is mentioned in various historical records and documents from this period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kent can be found in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of lands and properties commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. This suggests that the name was in use in England before the Norman Conquest.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kent. One of the most famous was Kent Clark, an American actor and singer born in 1919, who appeared in numerous films and television shows during the mid-20th century. He is best known for his portrayal of Superman in the 1948 film serial "Superman."

Another prominent figure was Kent Hughes, an American evangelical Christian pastor, author, and speaker born in 1942. He served as the senior pastor of College Church in Wheaton, Illinois, and authored several books on Christian living and ministry.

In the realm of sports, Kent Hrbek was a notable American baseball player who played for the Minnesota Twins from 1981 to 1994. Born in 1960, he was a key member of the team that won the 1987 and 1991 World Series championships.

Kent Rollins, an American chemist and entrepreneur born in 1915, is also worth mentioning. He co-founded the Dow Chemical Company and played a significant role in the development of various chemical products and processes.

Last but not least, Kent Andersson was a Swedish football player born in 1942, who represented Sweden in the 1970 and 1974 FIFA World Cup tournaments. He played as a midfielder and is considered one of the greatest Swedish players of his era.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Kent, showcasing its enduring popularity and rich historical significance across various fields and cultures.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kent was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kent, please contact us.

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