The name Kenton has its roots in the Old English language and is believed to have originated in the Anglo-Saxon era, dating back to the 5th century CE. It is derived from the Old English words "cyne" meaning "royal" or "kingly" and "tun" meaning "town" or "enclosure". The name was likely given to someone who lived in or was associated with a royal town or settlement.

During the Middle Ages, the name Kenton appeared in various historical records and documents, particularly in areas where Old English was spoken, such as parts of England and Scotland. One notable bearer of the name was Kenton of Kenton, a 12th-century Norman knight and landowner whose family held the manor of Kenton in Suffolk, England.

In the 16th century, the name Kenton gained popularity among English Protestants, as it was seen as a strong and noble name with a connection to the English heritage. One of the earliest recorded instances of the name was in 1587 when Kenton Deane, an English soldier and explorer, was born in Warwickshire, England.

Another famous bearer of the name was Kenton Brewster (1601-1668), an English clergyman and author who served as the vicar of St. Giles' Church in London. His notable work, "The Expositor's Bible," was widely read and influential in its time.

In the 18th century, Kenton Jarvis (1738-1808) was a prominent American lawyer and politician from Maryland. He served as a delegate to the Continental Congress and was a strong supporter of American independence during the Revolutionary War.

During the 19th century, the name Kenton gained further recognition through the exploits of Simon Kenton (1755-1836), an American frontiersman and explorer who played a significant role in the settlement of the Ohio Valley and the Northwest Territory. He was known for his skills as a woodsman and his encounters with Native American tribes.