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At a Glance
- Meaning
- Ruler; word-name from the common noun 'king'
- Origin
- English (word name / surname)
- Gender
- Neutral
- Pronunciation
- KING
King is a word-name, plain and simple: pronounced KING (/ˈkɪŋ/), it comes straight from the English word for a ruler. It's used for children of any gender and has both a bold and timeless, classic feel, so it reads as sturdy rather than flashy. There's no hidden meaning to look up — the name is the word.
Meaning & Origin of King
Meaning: Ruler; word-name from the common noun 'king'.
Origin: English (word name / surname).
Source: Wiktionary, Wikipedia.
How to Pronounce King
KINGIPA /ˈkɪŋ/
Popularity of King
SSA records go back to 1880, and King hit its high point in 2017 at #147 with 2,694 babies given the name. By 2024 it had slipped to #342, with 1,001 babies — fewer than its peak, but still a name parents are actively choosing.
Names Like King
These names share King’s style, era or origin.
FAQ
What does the name King mean?
Ruler; word-name from the common noun ‘king’. (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce King?
King is pronounced KING (IPA: /ˈkɪŋ/).
Is King a popular name right now?
King peaked at #147 in 2017 and is ranked #342 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)
Make King Name Art
Free printable nursery art for King, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is King? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
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