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GENDER:
Kenton shows to be exclusively a masculine name.

PRONUNCIATION:
"Kent-on"

ETYMOLO GY:
There are several different derivatives from which this name gains its meaning all related either to British geography and/or political hierarchy. They include "Town on the River Kan," "County of Kent," "River Kent," "bold town," "King's Town," and "royal estate." Kenton began as a British surname that through generations was passed down as a first name, but it remains more common as a last name. Shortened forms or nicknames of Kenton include Kent, Ken, and Kenny, however this must be taken into account with the name Kenneth (more common in America) with breeds the same diminutives.

ORIGIN & HISTORY:
The name originated as a pairing of the place names and royal establishments described above in the etymology. The place name of Kenton East and West was very significant in the rise of the name as it bore the name of one of its most prominent residents, Sir John de Kenton, who was high sheriff in 1313.

POPULARITY:
Kenton has remained a relatively popular name in Great Britain since its origin (relatively as compared to other parts of the world, but it is no longer one of the more common names in England either). It was virtually unheard of in the united states until the 1940s when it rose to modest recognition due to British immigrants of the time. However, the 1970s and saw a rapid increase of the name, as a result most likely of the children of those immigrants of the 1940s. Since the 1970s however, the United States has seen a general decrease year by year in the popularity of the name, until present where it is again virtually unheard of in this country.

FACTS:
Because of the more common name Kenneth, it is very difficult to find accurate information on this name, since most information would be related to the shortened forms which are all more commonly derived from Kenneth. Most information available on the name Kenton related to namesakes or pop couture are very questionable at minimum due to the common name. Any attempt to link much from present day United States culture to the name Kenton should not be taken very seriously, because a discerning person would easily realize the greater prominence of Kenneth taking superiority in such analysis.

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