boyLiterary

Kent: Meaning & Origin

Kent is a boy's name of Literary origin meaning “The loyal nobleman in 'King Lear', symbolizing loyalty and honor..” With 1 syllable, it is short and easy to say. Common nicknames include Kenny. As of 2026, Kent ranks #820 among boys' names in the United States and has held a steady level of popularity. Its highest US ranking was #135 in 1962.

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Pronunciation

kent

Phonetic spelling

Popularity

67/100 Score

Currently #820 among US baby names.

Nicknames

Kenny

Popularity Trend

0%
100
2020
100
2024
#820
US Rank

* Based on US Social Security Administration birth-registration data

Middle Name Ideas

  • Kent James
  • Kent Eli

Famous Namesakes

  • Kent (literary), Kent McCord (modern actor)

Frequently Asked Questions About Kent

What does the name Kent mean?

Kent means “The loyal nobleman in 'King Lear', symbolizing loyalty and honor..” It is a boy's name of Literary origin.

How do you pronounce Kent?

Kent is pronounced kent.

Is Kent a boy or girl name?

Kent is most commonly used as a boy's name.

How popular is the name Kent?

Kent currently ranks #820 among boys' names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Kent?

Popular nicknames for Kent include Kenny.

What are good middle names for Kent?

Middle names that pair well with Kent include Kent James, Kent Eli.

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