Kansas Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name 'Kansas' originates from the Sioux language, meaning 'people of the south wind.' It evolved from the Kansa tribe's name and has historical forms including Kansa and Kans. Kansas has gained popularity since the mid-19th century during westward expansion. It is associated with traits of rural charm and agricultural heritage, with no direct biblical relevance.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kansas"
Pronunciation
/ˈkæn.zəs/
Origin
Sioux
Etymology
The name 'Kansas' is derived from the Kansa Native American tribe, which means 'people of the south wind.'
Meaning
people of the south wind
Language Evolution
Kansa, Kans, Kansas
Historical Usage
Kansas became widely recognized in the mid-19th century, especially with the westward expansion of the United States and the establishment of Kansas as a territory in 1854.
Variants & Derivatives
Kansan, Kansas City
Modern Popularity & Image
Kansas is perceived as a state with a rich agricultural heritage and a central role in American history, often associated with the Midwest's rural charm.
Famous People
Dwight D. Eisenhower, Langston Hughes, Burt Reynolds
📊 Kansas Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kansas Name Visualizations
✨ Kansas Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 50 peak births in 2002
Geographic Spread
Popular across 8 US states, with strongest presence in Kentucky
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 8 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kansas"
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 "Kansas"
"Kansas" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 10179th of 16616 | 31 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 16764th of 24088 | 22 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 13133rd of 23106 | 40 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 5394th of 9107 | 42 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 10176th of 19264 | 44 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4447th of 27321 | 327 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 4271st of 35406 | 512 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5472nd of 30306 | 281 |
Regional Popularity of "Kansas" by Generation for Male 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) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kansas" 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) |
94.98% 4352nd/4582 |
- |
66.44% 4859th/7313 |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
100.00% 3984th/3984 |
- |
79.40% 5417th/6822 |
- |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kansas"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kansas" 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Kansas" in the United States
The name Kansas is most popular in Kentucky, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) generation in the South 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, Kansas has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Kansas' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 10179th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 16764th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 13133rd out of 23106 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 5394th out of 9107 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10176th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4447th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 4271st out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5472nd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kansas' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.