Kendall vs Kit

Kendall is an English baby name meaning The name means 'valley of the River Kent', while Kit is an English baby name meaning A diminutive form commonly meaning 'carrier of Christ' or 'pure'. Kit is the shorter of the two at 1 syllable.

Kendall

/KEN-dull/

Meaning
The name means 'valley of the River Kent'.
Origin
English
Gender
Unisex
Syllables
2
Letters
7
Nicknames
Kendal, Kyndall, Kendell, Kendyl, Kenny, Ken
Loved
0 times

It originated as an English surname derived from the town of Kendal in Cumbria, Northern England. The town's name stems from the Celtic river name 'Kent' combined with the Old Norse 'dalr', meaning valley. While originally a locational surname, it transitioned into use as a given name in the 19th century.

Full Kendall name page

Kit

/KIT/

Meaning
A diminutive form commonly meaning 'carrier of Christ' or 'pure'.
Origin
English
Gender
Unisex
Syllables
1
Letters
3
Nicknames
Christopher, Katherine, Kitt, Kitty, Christy, Kester
Loved
0 times

Kit originated in the Middle Ages as a common pet name for Christopher, derived from the Greek 'Christophoros'. It was later adopted as a nickname for Katherine, which stems from the Greek 'katharos', meaning pure. While traditionally a nickname, it has become increasingly used as a standalone given name in the English-speaking world.

Full Kit name page

How to choose between Kendall and Kit

  • Sound: Kendall runs to 2 syllables (/KEN-dull/) and Kit to 1 (/KIT/). Kit pairs more easily with a longer surname.
  • Heritage: Both names share an English background, so neither leans further from your family's roots.
  • Nicknames: Kendall shortens to Kendal, Kyndall, Kendell. Kit shortens to Christopher, Katherine, Kitt.
  • Usage today: While historically used for boys, it became significantly more popular for girls in the United States starting in the late 20th century. It is now widely perceived as a stylish, gender-neutral choice in English-speaking countries. The name is widely used in the United Kingdom and North America, often perceived as having a vintage yet spunky character. It gained renewed visibility in the 21st century due to popular culture and celebrity usage.

Kendall vs Kit: common questions

Is Kendall or Kit easier to pronounce?
Kendall is said /KEN-dull/ with 2 syllables, while Kit is said /KIT/ with 1 syllable. The shorter one is usually easier for young children to say.
What is the difference in meaning between Kendall and Kit?
Kendall means The name means 'valley of the River Kent'. Kit means A diminutive form commonly meaning 'carrier of Christ' or 'pure'.
Which is more popular, Kendall or Kit?
Kendall and Kit are loved equally often by visitors here (0 each).