Kale Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Kale has origins in Old Norse, deriving from 'kaldr,' meaning 'cold' and possibly relating to characteristics of slenderness. It has evolved through historical forms to become a modern name, gaining popularity in recent decades. While it has no biblical relevance, it reflects a contemporary trend towards unique names. Variants include Cale and Kal, and it is currently viewed positively, often linked to health and vitality.
The name Kale is most popular in Montana, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the MidWest region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Kale has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Kale' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5870th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 5874th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3552nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 1738th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1098th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 724th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 1862nd out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 12377th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 10211th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 30306th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kale' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kale"
Pronunciation
/keɪl/
Origin
Old Norse
Etymology
The name Kale is derived from the Old Norse word 'kaldr,' meaning 'cold.' It may also relate to the Gaelic word for 'slender,' reflecting physical characteristics.
Meaning
cold, slender
Language Evolution
Old Norse: Kaldr, Middle English: Kall, Modern English: Kale
Historical Usage
The name Kale began to gain popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in the United States, often associated with a trend towards unique and nature-inspired names.
Variants & Derivatives
Cale, Kal, Kail
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kale is perceived as a trendy and modern name, often associated with health and wellness due to its connection to the leafy green vegetable.
Famous People
Kale K. D. W. Smith, Kaleem Hossain
Explore More Kale Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kale"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Kale"
"Kale" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 5870th of 7545 | 17 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5874th of 6773 | 11 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3552nd of 7552 | 97 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 1738th of 10718 | 426 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1098th of 16616 | 1,404 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 724th of 24088 | 4,419 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1862nd of 23106 | 994 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 12377th of 27321 | 63 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 10211th of 35406 | 153 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 30306th of 30306 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Kale" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
63.27% 1409th/2227 |
- | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - |
45.99% 1860th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
23.69% 873rd/3685 |
45.21% 2023rd/4475 |
27.53% 1430th/5194 |
19.11% 1207th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
10.34% 474th/4582 |
29.59% 1528th/5164 |
12.25% 896th/7313 |
9.26% 691st/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
29.67% 1182nd/3984 |
64.54% 2896th/4487 |
28.95% 1975th/6822 |
34.42% 2160th/6276 |
Regional Popularity of "Kale" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kale"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kale" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.