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At a Glance
- Meaning
- A small, hovering falcon; the word entered English via Old French, and its deeper root isn't fully settled.
- Origin
- Old French (via Middle English)
- Gender
- Used for both boys and girls
- Pronunciation
- KESS-trul
Kestrel is named for a small, hovering falcon, and the word came into English through Old French by way of Middle English. Its deeper root isn't fully settled, so it's best known simply for the bird it describes. If you're drawn to nature names with a crisp, sharp sound, this one fits.
Meaning & Origin of Kestrel
Meaning: A small, hovering falcon; the word entered English via Old French, and its deeper root isn't fully settled..
Origin: Old French (via Middle English).
How to Pronounce Kestrel
KESS-trulIPA /ˈkɛstrəl/
Popularity of Kestrel
Kestrel is a rare name in the U.S.: it peaked at #6299 in 2019 with 19 babies, and by 2024 it stood at #11613 with 8. Your child would be unlikely to share it with a classmate.
Names Like Kestrel
These names have followed a similar path to Kestrel in U.S. popularity over the years.
FAQ
What does the name Kestrel mean?
A small, hovering falcon; the word entered English via Old French, and its deeper root isn’t fully settled..
How do you pronounce Kestrel?
Kestrel is pronounced KESS-trul (IPA: /ˈkɛstrəl/).
Is Kestrel a popular name right now?
Kestrel peaked at #6299 in 2019 and is ranked #11613 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1985–2024.)
Make Kestrel Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Kestrel, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
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