Kendi

“The loved one”

Africa origin · Unisex name

♂ 1% boys♀ 99% girls

#8660US 2022

9Births / yr

↓Falling

597All-time births

📅 Since 196200

How to pronounce Kendi

KEND·EYE

/ˈkɛnd.ˈaɪ/ · stress on KEND · 2 syllables

“The loved one”

Africa origin · Unisex name

What does Kendi mean and where does it come from?

In Swahili, Kendi translates to 'the loved one'. It has gained popularity as a personal name in various regions, particularly among the African diaspora. The name also appears in various literary references, including 'Kendi: A Children’s Book' by Ibram X. Kendi, which has contributed to its visibil

Cultural significance

Kendi has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Africa-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the loved one.

Peak popularity

Reached #4163 in 1979 — currently #8660 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kendi?

Kendi works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Kendi Grace

How popular is Kendi right now?

Falling — down 778 spots — currently #8660 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2022#8660 · Top 6.4%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2022	#8660	9	▼ down 778 · -10% births
2021	#7882	10	▼ down 952 · -37% births
2020	#6930	16	▲ up 2102 · +33% births
2015	#9032	12	▼ down 685 · -14% births
2010	#8347	14	▼ down 2298 · -30% births
2005	#6049	20	▲ up 3311 · +100% births
2000	#9360	10	▲ up 426 · +25% births
1995	#9786	8	▼ down 1028 · -11% births
1990	#8758	9	▲ up 1035 · +50% births
1985	#9793	6	▼ down 204
1980	#9589	6	▲ up 117 · +20% births
1975	#9706	5	▼ down 4379 · -50% births
1970	#5327	10	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kendi

Best Year1970Rank #5327

Peak Count20

Average Rank#8401

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1970 - 202213 years

The story of Kendi

Kendi is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1962. With 597 total births recorded, Kendi remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #5327 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8660 in 2022. Kendi is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.

Names that peaked alongside Kendi in 1979:

Jennifer Melissa Amanda Jessica Amy

Kendi by decade

Kendi peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	17
1970s	89
1980s	91
1990s	88
2000s ★	162
2010s	129
2020s	21

💎Kendi has only 597 total recorded births since 1962 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kendi?

Common

KenKe

What names sound and feel like Kendi?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kendi also consider these

Kenndi

American · Kenndi is a

Kenli

American · King's meadow

Kensi

American · A name with

Fendi

Italy · Italian

Keydi

American · a variant of

Cendi

American · English

Wendi

English · A beloved name

Rendi

Indonesian · Ray of light,

Common questions about the name Kendi

What does the name Kendi mean?

Kendi means "The loved one" — a name rooted in Africa tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Kendi?

Kendi is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kendi have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Kendi?

Kendi originates from Africa tradition. Africa names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Kendi?

Kendi is a two-syllable name pronounced K EH1 N D AY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Kendi trending right now?

Kendi is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.