What customs and traditions are associated with English baby names?

English naming customs typically involve three elements - a given name, a middle name (s), and a family name. The British follow a patrilineal naming system where the child inherits their fathers family name. However, following the patrilineal naming system is not mandatory. Instead, parents have the freedom to choose their childs last name. Some parents could also give their child the mothers last name. In contrast, others may provide both mother and father surnames in a hyphenated form, reflecting the flexibility in English naming traditions and customs.

How do English baby names reflect a person's heritage?

English naming conventions are diverse, encompassing people from different religions, ethnicities, and cultural backgrounds. Many parents may opt for names that mirror their ethnic and cultural connections. For example, parents of Irish heritage may choose titles like Liam. On the other hand, those of Greek origin might opt for names like Sophia or Alexander. Parents may also pick names that reflect their regional heritage. For example, Devon and Kent are names inspired by specific regions or places within England. Furthermore, many families pass down names from one generation to another or choose monikers inspired by literary and historical figures.

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1166 English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With K

Written by Shikha Thakur, MBA Specialty: Relationships and Baby NamesExperience: 7 years

Shikha is a writer-turned-editor at MomJunction, with over seven years of experience in the field of content. Having done a certification in Relationship Coaching, her core interest lies in writing articles that guide couples through their courtship to marriage and parenthood.

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Edited by Siddharth Kesiraju, MA, Certification in Relationship Coaching Specialty: Love, Marriage and RelationshipsExperience: 7 years

Siddharth holds a certification in Relationship Coaching and a masters degree in communication and journalism from the University of Hyderabad. He has around seven years of experience in various fields of writing and editing.

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Fact-checked by Praggya Joshi, MA, BEd Specialty: Child education & activitiesExperience: 2 years

Praggya Joshi holds a bachelor's degree in Education and a master's in Ancient Indian History from University of Delhi. She has a robust knowledge of literature, society, and ethics. Praggya has been a content writer since 2021, researching and writing on education, health and wellness, and travel.

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Last Updated on Oct 3, 2023

Illustration: MomJunction Design Team

Name	Gender	Meaning
Kennedy	Girl	Helmeted head; Armored head
Kayden	Boy	Fighter; Companion
Kingston	Boy	King's town; Farmstead estate
Kehlani	Girl	Sea and sky; The heavens
Katherine	Girl	Pure; Each of the two
Kylie	Girl	Boomerang; Narrows; Channel; Strait
Kaiden	Boy	Loving companion; From the wetlands; Warrior
Kimberly	Girl	Royal fortress meadow; Cyndeburg's field; War chief
Khloe	Girl	Green shoot
Kevin	Boy	Handsome by birth; Gentle; Lovable; Fair; Peace

King	Boy	Monarch; Ruler
Karter	Boy	Transporter of goods by carts; One who uses a cart
Knox	Boy	Round hill; A hillock; Hump
Kendall	Girl	Kent river valley; Valley of kings
Kash	Boy	Box-maker; Wealth
Kaleb	Boy	Devotion to God; Faithfulness; Bold; Whole; Heart
Kameron	Boy	Crooked nose
Kayla	Girl	Crown of laurels; Who is like god
Kenneth	Boy	Handsome; Comely; Respect
Kaden	Boy	Fighter; Battler

Kairo	Boy	Victorious; Attractive; Summer color
Kaylani	Girl	Ocean and sky
Kayson	Boy	Enclosure; Yard; Town
Karson	Boy	Son of marsh-dwellers
Kane	Boy	Son of Cathán; Warrior; Battle; Barnacle goose
Kiara	Girl	Dark; Bright; Shining; Peaceful; A lady with dusk hair; First ray of the sun
Kyle	Boy	Narrows; Channel; Strait
Kade	Boy	From the wetlands; Round; Sturdy
Kira	Girl	Throne; Lord; Young; Humiliator of the enemy; Sunbeam; Ray of light; Sparkling
Kate	Girl	Pure; Clear

Kayleigh	Girl	Fair; Pure; Keeper of the keys
Kason	Boy	An enclosure for calves; Calf town; Fruit; Village; Mist
Kendrick	Boy	Royal ruler; Bold Power; Chief hero; Greatest champion
Kashton	Boy	Town of box-makers
Kian	Boy	Ancient; Grace of God; Enduring one; King; Realm
Kaison	Boy	Calf; Pollen; Warrior
Kyson	Boy	Son of Ky; Firebrand
Keira	Girl	Little dark-haired one
Kamden	Boy	Enclosed valley; One from the crooked valley
Keiran	Boy	Black; Black-haired; Army's edge

Keegan	Boy	Son of Aodhagán; Son of Fire
Kyla	Girl	Narrows; Channel; Strait; Victorious
Kobe	Boy	Holder of the heel; May God protect; City of Kobe; Tortoise
Kolton	Boy	Cola's town; Charcoal town
Kennedi	Girl	Helmeted chieftain
Kylo	Boy	Sky
Katie	Girl	Pure; Clear; Innocent; Flawless
Kensley	Girl	The spring glade; Clearing glade; Valley of the spring; Clearing belonging to Cyne; Royal
Kylan	Boy	Narrows; Channel; Strait
Kaitlyn	Girl	Pure; Each of the two; Clear; Innocent

Kaysen	Boy	Son of the marsh-dwellers
Kohen	Boy	Priest
Kannon	Boy	Church official; Esteemed; Free; Cane; One who observes sounds
Kathryn	Girl	Pure; Clear; Innocent
Keith	Boy	Wood; From the battleground
Krew	Boy	Weir; Group of people
Karsyn	Girl	From the marsh; Son of marsh-dwellers
Kylee	Girl	Boomerang; Narrows; Channel; Strait
Kyra	Girl	Throne; Sun; Young; Lord
Kataleya	Girl	Powerful; Queen of Orchids; Pure; Catalyst

Kasey	Boy	Vigilant; Observant
Kimber	Girl	Cyneburga's field; Cynebald's field; Cynemær's field
Kassidy	Girl	Clever; Curly-haired
Karla	Girl	Strong; Womanly; Free woman; Peasant; Little and strong
Kingsley	Boy	King's meadow; King's wood
Kinslee	Girl	King's meadow; Clearing belonging to Cyne
Keaton	Boy	Place of hawks
Katelyn	Girl	Pure; Each of the two
Kyro	Unisex	The victorious
Kylian	Boy	Church; Narrows; Channel; Strait

Kiana	Girl	Ancient; Divine; Goddesslike; Essence
Kelly	Boy	Warrior; Wood; Born on a farm; Bright-headed
Kase	Boy	Descendant of Cathassach; Vigilant; Cheese; Dwarf; Torrent
Kellan	Boy	Slender; Son of Alan; Beautiful; Little rock; Son of Colin; Young one
Kaydence	Girl	Rhythm; Flow; To fall
Kole	Boy	People's victory; Charcoal
Korbin	Boy	Raven; Dark-haired person
Kellen	Boy	Strong; Bright-headed; Slender; Great warrior; Swampy area
Kaisley	Girl	Vigilant; Brave; Pure
Kye	Boy	Ocean; To rejoice; Triumph; Victory

Kyng	Boy	Sovereign ruler
Kelvin	Boy	From the narrow river
Kimora	Girl	Tree; Wood; Town; Village; Golden meadow; From the meadow
Kynlee	Girl	White warrior
Koda	Boy	Allies; Companion; Rice paddy of happiness
Kylen	Boy	Boomerang; Narrows; Channel; Strait
Kristopher	Boy	Bearing Christ
Kaiya	Girl	Forgiveness; Yew tree; Pure; Elegant
Kailey	Girl	Keeper of the keys; Rare beauty; Social celebration; Slender
Kalel	Boy	The voice of God

Kiera	Girl	Little dark one; Dark-headed; Dusky; Black
Kamilah	Girl	Flawlessness; Perfection
Kody	Boy	Descendant of the helpful one; Son of Odo; Helpful
Keyla	Girl	Crown of laurels; Wreath; Pure; God-like
Kyleigh	Girl	Boomerang; Narrows; Channel; Strait
Kathleen	Girl	Pure; Clear; Flawless; Unsullied; Clean; Each of the two; Far off
Kenny	Boy	Handsome; Fiery; Ruler of the valley; Dignified; Helmeted chief
Kacey	Boy	Vigilant; Watchful
Kaylie	Girl	Pure; Forest clearing
Kerry	Girl	Ciar's people; Kingdom of Ciar; One with dark complexion

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Infographic: Top English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With K

Our infographic below features options from timeless classics to contemporary favorites that complement your child's personality. Scroll through the list to find the perfect name that reflects your preferences and your family's shared values.

English Baby Names with Meanings, Starting With K(infographic)

Look Up For Many More Names

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