Kendall Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Kendall come from? What does the surname Kendall mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Kendall and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Surname Kendall Origin: What does the last name Kendall mean?
The surname Kendall has two widely accepted origins. The first is from the market town of Kendal in Cumbria, with the earliest recorded form dating back to 1095. The name is derived from "Church by Kent dale." The second origin is as an anglicization of the Middle Welsh given name Kyndelw, meaning "the Kent river valley." The surname Kendall is of British origin and has a gender-neutral connotation.
YourRoots data shows that the Kendall surname has been present in records from the United Kingdom since the early 14th century. Over time, the frequency of Kendall family records increased in the United States by the 16th century, surpassing the volume in the UK by the early 17th century. Today, the Kendall surname remains prominent in the United States and is also found in various regions worldwide, indicating a significant expansion of the name over the centuries.
Kendall Last Name History: Where did the last name Kendall come from?
Origin of Kendall Surname: Where does the last name Kendall originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Kendall first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 14th century. This reflects only YourRoots data for the exact “Kendall” spelling and does not include other record sources or surname variations.
History of the Last Name Kendall: What does the Kendall surname history look like in the early days?
The “Kendall” surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 14th through the 15th century. By the 16th century, the frequency of Kendall family records began to increase in the United States, eventually surpassing the volume in the United Kingdom by the early 17th century. This indicates a significant shift and expansion of the Kendall surname during this period.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Kendall surname today?
The volume of records with the Kendall surname grew significantly in the United States from the 16th century onwards, and this trend continued into the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the “Kendall” surname remains prominent in the United States, but it can also be found in several other regions worldwide. Although the exact number of countries is not specified in the data, it is evident that the Kendall surname has a broad global presence.
Explore Kendall last name heritage and Kendall surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Kendall Surame?
Liz Kendall
Elizabeth Louise Kendall (June 11, 1971 - present) is a British politician and member of the Labour Party. She has been serving as the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions since July 2024. Kendall has been the Member of Parliament for Leicester West since 2010. She studied at the University of Cambridge and has held various positions within the Labour Party, including Shadow Minister for Care and Older People. Kendall ran for the Labour Party leadership in 2015. She is known for her modernizing approach and has garnered support from various senior Labour politicians and groups within the party.
Kay Kendall
Justine Kay Kendall McCarthy (21 May 1927 – 6 September 1959) was an English actress and comedienne known for her roles in popular films such as "Genevieve" and "Les Girls." She won a Golden Globe Award for her performance in the musical-comedy film "Les Girls" in 1957. Kendall's talent and comedic timing earned her praise from directors like Stanley Donen, who compared her to Carole Lombard. Tragically, Kendall passed away at the young age of 32, but her legacy as a talented actress and comedienne lives on in the hearts of fans.
Sarah Kendall
Sarah Kendall (August 3, 1976 - ) is an Australian comedian known for her stand-up comedy performances and television appearances. She rose to fame after winning the Raw Comedy competition in 1998 and has since entertained audiences with her witty humor and unique storytelling style. Kendall has appeared in various comedy festivals and television shows, showcasing her talent and earning a loyal fan base. With a successful career spanning over two decades, she continues to captivate audiences with her comedic brilliance and charming personality.
Suzy Kendall
Suzy Kendall (born Freda Harriet Harrison; 1937) was a British actress known for her roles in British and Italian films during the late 1960s and early 1970s. She started as a fabric designer and model before transitioning to acting, appearing in various supporting and lead roles. Kendall made a comeback in 2012 with a role in "Berberian Sound Studio" after a 35-year hiatus. She was married to Dudley Moore and later to musician Sandy Harper, with whom she has a daughter. As of 2018, Kendall resides in London with her family.
Howard Kendall
Howard Paul Kendall (May 22, 1946 – October 17, 2015) was an English footballer and manager known for his successful career with Everton. He played a key role in Everton's "Holy Trinity" alongside Alan Ball and Colin Harvey, winning multiple league titles, FA Cups, and the European Cup Winners' Cup. Kendall's managerial career saw him lead various clubs, including Everton, Manchester City, and Sheffield United. He remains a revered figure in English football, being the last English manager to win a UEFA competition with an English club.
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