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Kendi

Girl

Meaning of Kendi: African: 'loved one'

Kendi is a girl's name most strongly associated with African naming. It has 5 letters and 2 syllables, and it is a genuinely rare and unique choice — 9151st most popular girls' name in the United States in 2025.

US rank 2025

#9151

10 babies in 2025

England & Wales 2024

—

Fewer than 3 babies or unlisted

US babies since 1880

668

First recorded 1962 · peak 2007

Trend

stable

Style: rare

Popularity over time

1981: 8 babies1982: 13 babies1983: 15 babies1984: 8 babies1985: 6 babies1986: 7 babies1987: 11 babies1988: 7 babies1989: 10 babies1990: 9 babies19901991: 9 babies1992: 9 babies1993: 14 babies1994: 11 babies1995: 8 babies1996: 6 babies1997: 13 babies1998: 9 babies1999: 0 babies2000: 10 babies20002001: 14 babies2002: 11 babies2003: 16 babies2004: 12 babies2005: 20 babies2006: 13 babies2007: 31 babies2008: 22 babies2009: 13 babies2010: 14 babies20102011: 13 babies2012: 8 babies2013: 18 babies2014: 10 babies2015: 12 babies2016: 7 babies2017: 13 babies2018: 21 babies2019: 15 babies2020: 22 babies20202021: 18 babies2022: 21 babies2023: 9 babies2024: 10 babies2025: 10 babies
US babies named Kendi per year (Social Security Administration). Peak bar = 31.

Gender split

4% boys · 96% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.

Origins & cultures

More African girls' names

Other names starting with K