Kensington

“the place of the king” — Associated with Kensington Palace

United Kingdom origin · Unisex name

♂ 5% boys♀ 95% girls

#2771US 2023

62Births / yr

↓Falling

2.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 199700.02% of births at peak

How to pronounce Kensington

KENZ·ingt·un

/ˈkɛnz.ɪŋt.ən/ · stress on KENZ · 3 syllables

“the place of the king”

Associated with Kensington Palace · United Kingdom origin

What does Kensington mean and where does it come from?

Kensington is a name that originally derives from a place in Greater London, England. It is often associated with Kensington Palace, the residence of various members of the British Royal Family. The name has gained popularity as a given name for girls in recent years, particularly in Western countri

Cultural significance

Kensington has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of the place of the king.

Peak popularity

Reached #973 in 2015 — currently #2771 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Kensington?

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

Kensington Grace

How popular is Kensington right now?

Falling — down 253 spots — currently #2771 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2000–2023#2771 · Top 2.0%

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#2771	62	▼ down 253 · -13% births
2022	#2518	71	▼ down 544 · -28% births
2021	#1974	99	▼ down 416 · -27% births
2020	#1558	135	▼ down 585 · -51% births
2015	#973	278	▲ up 832 · +144% births
2010	#1805	114	▲ up 1769 · +171% births
2005	#3574	42	▲ up 1211 · +68% births
2000	#4785	25	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kensington

Best Year2015Rank #973

Peak Count278

Average Rank#2495

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2000 - 20238 years

The story of Kensington

Kensington is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1997. With 2,708 total births recorded, Kensington remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4785 in 2000 to #2771 in 2023. Kensington is used for both genders: 95% female and 5% male.

Names that peaked alongside Kensington in 2015:

Emma Olivia Sophia Ava Isabella

Kensington by decade

Kensington peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1990s	45
2000s	417
2010s ★	2,103
2020s	143

💎With 2,708 total births, Kensington is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Kensington?

Common

KenKeIngton

What names sound and feel like Kensington?

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

Kenzington

American · the settlement of

Pennington

United Kingdom · A beloved name

Kerrington

American · from the place

Kerington

American · A beloved name

Kensingtyn

American · From the royal

Kinsington

American · The town of

Bennington

American · Town of Benjamin

Henington

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Common questions about the name Kensington

What does the name Kensington mean?

Kensington means "the place of the king" — a name rooted in United Kingdom 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 Kensington?

Kensington is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Kensington?

Kensington originates from United Kingdom tradition. United Kingdom 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 Kensington?

Kensington is a three-syllable name pronounced K EH1 N Z IH0 NG T AH0 N. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Kensington?

Kensington pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar United Kingdom heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.