Kendra

At a Glance

Origin

English (modern coinage)

Gender

Girl

Pronunciation

KEN-drahListen

Kendra is pronounced KEN-drah (IPA /ˈkɛndrə/), and it comes from English as a modern coinage rather than a name with an old, fixed meaning. You may run across the claim that it means "the great water," but that isn't backed by any attested root — it's a popular idea without real support behind it. If Kendra is on your list, it's one to choose for how it sounds rather than for a specific meaning.

Meaning & Origin of Kendra

Origin: English (modern coinage).

A common claim: often said to mean 'the great water' Actually: There's no reliable evidence that Kendra means "the great water." It's considered a modern name of uncertain origin.

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Kendra

Popularity of Kendra

Kendra hit its peak popularity at #77 in 1987, when 3,841 girls were given the name, and by 2024 it had fallen to #687 with just 412 babies — a long decline across the SSA's 1936-2024 records.

Names Like Kendra

These names share Kendra’s style, era or origin.

• Kinslynn
• Lakelyn
• Lakelynn
• Marleigh
• May
• Adalee

FAQ

What does the name Kendra mean?

often said to mean ‘the great water’ There’s no reliable evidence that Kendra means “the great water.” It’s considered a modern name of uncertain origin.

How do you pronounce Kendra?

Kendra is pronounced KEN-drah (IPA: /ˈkɛndrə/).

Is Kendra a popular name right now?

Kendra peaked at #77 in 1987 and is ranked #687 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1936–2024.)

Make Kendra Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Kendra, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.