This post contains affiliate links.
At a Glance: Name: Kendra – Origin: English (modern coinage) – Gender: Girl – Pronunciation: KEN-drah
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
Phonetic: KEN-drah IPA: /ˈkɛndrə/
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.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name 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.
Names With a Similar Story
Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names we have no style data for, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.
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.)
📊 How popular is Kendra? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
🎲 Think you know your baby names? Take the quiz!
🎨 Get Printable Name Art for Kendra
Beautiful nursery-ready 8×10" print with name & meaning
Preview & Download →More Baby Name Inspiration
📱 The Baby Names app is here
Swipe names, match with your partner the moment you both say yes, and claim a free Name Art print of your winner. Free to download. See all our apps →
