baby name

HOME > Kent Name Origin

Kent Name Origin

Introduction

The name Kent is a popular name for boys, but where does it come from? The origins of the name Kent can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period of British history. In this article, we will explore the history and significance of the name Kent.

Anglo-Saxon England

The Anglo-Saxon period of British history lasted from the 5th century until the Norman Conquest in 1066. During this time, the Anglo-Saxons, a group of Germanic tribes, migrated to England and established their own kingdoms. One of these kingdoms was Kent, which was located in southeastern England.

The Kingdom of Kent

The Kingdom of Kent was established in the 5th century by the Jutes, a Germanic tribe from what is now Denmark. The Jutes settled in Kent and established a kingdom that lasted until the 9th century. The kingdom was ruled by a series of kings, including Ethelbert, who is known for his conversion to Christianity.

The Name Kent

The name Kent comes from the Old English word 'Cantware,' which means 'people of Kent.' The Cantware were the people who lived in the Kingdom of Kent. Over time, the name Cantware evolved into Kent, which became the name of the kingdom and the county that still exists today.

Popularity of the Name Kent

The name Kent has been a popular name for boys in England and the United States since the 19th century. In England, the name Kent was ranked as the 191st most popular name for boys in 2020. In the United States, the name Kent was most popular in the 1950s and 1960s, but it has since declined in popularity.

Famous People Named Kent

There have been many famous people named Kent throughout history. Some of these include: - Kent McCord, an American actor best known for his role in the TV series 'Adam-12' - Kent Nagano, an American conductor who has worked with many of the world's leading orchestras - Kent Conrad, an American politician who served as a United States Senator from North Dakota - Kent Jones, an American rapper and music producer - Kent Hovind, an American Christian fundamentalist evangelist and convicted felon

Conclusion

The name Kent has its origins in the Anglo-Saxon period of British history. It comes from the Old English word 'Cantware,' which means 'people of Kent.' The Kingdom of Kent was established by the Jutes in the 5th century and lasted until the 9th century. Today, the name Kent is still a popular name for boys in England and the United States.