Find out how popular the first name Kincaid has been for the last 32 years (from 1993 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kincaid by gender

Based on the last 32 years of data, Kincaid is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 27 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kincaid.

The history of the first name Kincaid

The given name Kincaid finds its origins in the Scottish Gaelic language and culture, tracing back to the medieval period. It is believed to be derived from the Gaelic words "cionn" meaning "head" and "cead" meaning "payment" or "tribute." This suggests the name may have initially referred to a person who collected taxes or tributes.

In the 12th century, the surname Kincaid emerged in Scotland, particularly in the regions of Stirlingshire and Lennox. The earliest recorded instance of the name is found in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, which document pledges of allegiance to King Edward I of England. One entry mentions a "Richard de Kyncade" from Stirlingshire.

While the name Kincaid does not appear in ancient texts or religious scriptures, it is closely tied to Scottish history and clan lineages. The Kincaid family was prominent in the Scottish Wars of Independence against England in the 13th and 14th centuries. They were staunch supporters of Robert the Bruce and played a significant role in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314.

One of the earliest notable individuals with the given name Kincaid was Kincaid of Park, who lived in the late 14th century and was a member of the Kincaid clan. Another prominent figure was Sir John Kincaid (1505-1572), a Scottish lawyer and judge who served as Lord Justice Clerk during the reign of Mary, Queen of Scots.

In the 17th century, Captain John Kincaid (1615-1687) was a Scottish soldier who fought for the Covenanters during the Wars of the Three Kingdoms. He later emigrated to the American colonies and settled in New Jersey. His descendants played a role in the American Revolutionary War.

Another notable Kincaid was Sir Robert Kincaid (1832-1920), a British naval officer and explorer who served as Governor of the Falkland Islands from 1888 to 1893. He was instrumental in establishing the British claim to Graham Land in Antarctica.

In literature, the name Kincaid appears in the works of renowned Scottish authors such as Sir Walter Scott and Robert Louis Stevenson. One of the most famous fictional characters with the name is Lieutenant Kincaid from Joseph Conrad's novel "Lord Jim," published in 1900.

While the given name Kincaid is less common today, it continues to hold historical significance and ties to Scottish heritage and clan traditions.

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 Kincaid was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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