Kipling

“English” — Associated with the author Rudyard Kipling

United Kingdom origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11610US 2023

6Births / yr

↓Falling

356All-time births

📅 Since 195200

How to pronounce Kipling

KIPL·ing

/ˈkɪpl.ɪŋ/ · stress on KIPL · 2 syllables

“English”

Associated with the author Rudyard Kipling · United Kingdom origin

What does Kipling mean and where does it come from?

Kipling is of English origin and is most famously associated with the author Rudyard Kipling, known for works such as 'The Jungle Book' and 'Kim'. The name can also refer to several places in England. The usage of Kipling as a personal name is not as common as its use as a surname.

Cultural significance

Kipling has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in United Kingdom-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #2161 in 1965 — currently #11610 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kipling?

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

Kipling Grace

How popular is Kipling right now?

Falling — down 4087 spots — currently #11610 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1955–2023#11610 · Top 8.6%

1955

1960

1965

1970

1975

1995

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#11610	6	▼ down 4087 · -45% births
2022	#7523	11	▲ up 1021 · +22% births
2021	#8544	9	▼ down 1010 · -10% births
2020	#7534	10	▲ up 4807 · +100% births
2015	#12341	5	▼ down 5775 · -37% births
1995	#6566	8	▼ down 2003 · +14% births
1975	#4563	7	▼ down 1699 · -42% births
1970	#2864	12	▼ down 703 · -20% births
1965	#2161	15	▲ up 1798 · +150% births
1960	#3959	6	▼ down 102
1955	#3857	6	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kipling

Best Year1965Rank #2161

Peak Count15

Average Rank#6502

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1955 - 202311 years

The story of Kipling

Kipling entered American naming records in 1952 and has been in use for over 72 years. With 356 total births recorded, Kipling remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3857 in 1955, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11610 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Kipling in 1965:

Michael John David James Robert

Kipling by decade

Kipling peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →

Decade	Births
1950s	53
1960s ★	96
1970s	59
1980s	18
1990s	18
2000s	16
2010s	86
2020s	10

💎Kipling has only 356 total recorded births since 1952 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kipling?

Common

KipKiIpling

What names sound and feel like Kipling?

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

Kiplin

English · From the hilltop

Kiing

American · A beloved name

Kiptin

Kenya · Kiswahili

Hirving

Mexico · Possibly a variation

Sirking

USA · Potentially from 'sir'

Yiming

China · 义名 (yì míng)

Hilding

Swedish · battle, warrior

Bicking

Arabic · A Arabic name

Common questions about the name Kipling

What does the name Kipling mean?

Kipling means "English" — 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 Kipling?

Kipling is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy 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 Kipling?

Kipling 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 Kipling?

Kipling is a two-syllable name pronounced K IH1 P L IH0 NG. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Kipling a common or rare name?

Kipling is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.