This page brings together 40 English names that start with the letter K, running alphabetically from “Keith” to “Kelvin.” You’ll find a mix of classic and modern choices here, covering names for boys, girls, and some that work for either. People use these names when naming a baby, exploring family history, or simply finding a name they love.
English names are the given names commonly used across England and other English-speaking countries, often drawn from old surnames, places, or traditional roots. Many K names, like “Katherine,” have been carried by queens and shortened into countless beloved nicknames over the centuries.
Below you’ll find the table with Name, Gender, Origin, Meaning, Famous Namesakes, and Description.
Name: This shows you the actual name and its spelling, so you can see exactly how it appears and compare options at a glance.
Gender: This tells you whether a name is typically used for boys, girls, or both, helping you quickly narrow down choices that fit.
Origin: This points to where a name comes from, such as Scottish, Irish, or English roots, giving you a sense of its background.
Meaning: This explains what a name means, so you can choose one that carries a feeling or message you connect with.
Famous Namesakes: This lists well-known people who share the name, giving you real examples and a sense of its character and style.
Description: This gives you a short summary of a name’s history, tone, and popularity, helping you understand how it feels in everyday use.
English names
| Name | Gender | Origin | Meaning | Famous Namesakes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keith | Male | Scottish/English | From the wood or forest | Keith Richards, Keith Urban |
| Kelly | Unisex | Irish/English | Bright-headed or warrior | Kelly Clarkson, Kelly Rowland |
| Kendall | Unisex | English | Valley of the river Kent | Kendall Jenner |
| Kendra | Female | English | Knowing or high hill | Kendra Wilkinson |
| Kenneth | Male | Scottish/English | Handsome or born of fire | Kenneth Branagh, Ken Loach |
| Kent | Male | English | From the county of Kent or white | Clark Kent (fictional) |
| Kerry | Unisex | Irish/English | Dark or descendants of Ciar | Kerry Katona |
| Kevin | Male | Irish/English | Handsome or gentle birth | Kevin Costner, Kevin De Bruyne |
| Kim | Unisex | English | Short for Kimberly or chief | Kim Basinger |
| Kimberly | Female | English | From the royal forest meadow | Kimberley Walsh |
| King | Male | English | Ruler or monarch | King Princess (stage name) |
| Kingsley | Male | English | From the king’s meadow | Kingsley Amis, Kingsley Coman |
| Kirk | Male | Scottish/English | Church | Kirk Douglas |
| Kirsten | Female | English/Scandinavian | Follower of Christ | Kirsten Dunst |
| Kit | Unisex | English | Short for Christopher or Katherine | Kit Harington |
| Kitty | Female | English | Short for Katherine, pure | Kitty (Anne of Cleves’ lady, historical) |
| Kyle | Male | Scottish/English | Narrow strait or channel | Kyle MacLachlan |
| Kayla | Female | English | Pure or laurel | Kayla (common modern name) |
| Kayleigh | Female | English | Slim and fair | Kayleigh (Marillion song) |
| Kara | Female | English | Beloved or dear | Kara Tointon |
| Karen | Female | English/Scandinavian | Pure | Karen Gillan |
| Katherine | Female | English/Greek | Pure | Katherine Hepburn, Kate Middleton |
| Kate | Female | English | Short for Katherine, pure | Kate Winslet, Kate Bush |
| Katie | Female | English | Short for Katherine, pure | Katie Price, Katie Holmes |
| Kathleen | Female | Irish/English | Pure | Kathleen Turner |
| Kay | Female | English | Short for Katherine or rejoice | Kay Mellor |
| Keeley | Female | English | Slender or beautiful | Keeley Hawes |
| Keira | Female | Irish/English | Dark-haired | Keira Knightley |
| Kelsey | Unisex | English | Fierce island or ship’s victory | Kelsey Grammer |
| Kerri | Female | English | Dark or descendants of Ciar | Kerri-Anne Kennerley |
| Kingston | Male | English | King’s town or settlement | Kingston Rossdale |
| Kris | Unisex | English | Short for Christopher or Kristen | Kris Jenner |
| Krista | Female | English | Follower of Christ | Krista (modern variant) |
| Kristine | Female | English | Follower of Christ | Kristine (variant of Christine) |
| Karl | Male | English/Germanic | Free man | Karl Pilkington |
| Kingsford | Male | English | King’s ford or river crossing | Kingsford (surname-name) |
| Keaton | Male | English | Place of hawks or shed town | Keaton Henson |
| Knox | Male | Scottish/English | Round hill | Knox Jolie-Pitt |
| Kimball | Male | English | Bold kin or chief | Kimball (surname-name) |
| Kelvin | Male | Scottish/English | From the narrow river | Kelvin Fletcher |
Descriptions
Keith
A traditional surname-turned-first-name that gained wide use in England. It carries a classic, understated masculine feel popular through much of the twentieth century.
Kelly
Originally an Irish surname adopted as an English given name, used for both boys and girls. It became especially popular for girls from the 1960s onward.
Kendall
A place and surname from Cumbria, England, now common as a first name. It reads as modern and stylish, favored increasingly for girls in recent decades.
Kendra
A feminine name likely formed as a blend or feminine variant of Kenneth. It feels contemporary while keeping a soft, approachable sound.
Kenneth
A long-established name widely used in England, often shortened to Ken. It conveys a dignified, mid-century charm and remains recognizable across generations.
Kent
Drawn from the English county and surname, Kent works as a crisp, single-syllable first name. It has a clean, dependable quality that reads as classically English.
Kerry
Borrowed from the Irish county and used widely in England for both sexes. It peaked mid-century and retains a friendly, casual tone.
Kevin
An Irish-rooted name embraced thoroughly in England, hugely popular in the twentieth century. It is warm and familiar, with an everyman appeal.
Kim
Often a short form of Kimberly, Kim also stands alone as a given name. It is brief and bright, used for both men and women in English-speaking countries.
Kimberly
Derived from an English place name and surname, popularized as a girls name in the twentieth century. It has a soft, polished, feminine sound.
King
A bold name taken directly from the English word and surname for a sovereign. Once rare, it has gained traction as a strong, commanding modern choice.
Kingsley
An English place name and surname now used as a distinguished first name. It blends regal imagery with a literary, refined character.
Kirk
From the northern English and Scots word for church, Kirk is short and rugged. It enjoyed mid-century popularity and keeps a sturdy, masculine ring.
Kirsten
A form of Christine adopted into English usage, especially in northern Britain. It is graceful and clear, with a gentle Nordic-influenced sound.
Kit
A vintage nickname for Christopher or Katherine that now stands independently. It feels charmingly old-fashioned yet fresh, working for boys and girls alike.
Kitty
A playful pet form of Katherine with a sweet, retro appeal. Once common in England, it has a nostalgic, affectionate quality.
Kyle
A Scots-origin name fully embraced in England, popular from the 1980s. It is sleek, modern, and easy, with a cool, contemporary edge.
Kayla
A modern feminine name likely blending Kay with the -la suffix. It rose sharply in popularity in recent decades and sounds youthful and bright.
Kayleigh
A modern English coinage popularized by a 1980s hit song. It combines familiar sounds into a soft, distinctly contemporary girls name.
Kara
A simple, melodic feminine name related to Cara and the Latin for dear. It feels fresh and unfussy while remaining timeless.
Karen
A form of Katherine adopted broadly in England during the twentieth century. It had immense mid-century popularity and a clean, classic sound.
Katherine
A perennial English classic with countless spellings and nicknames. Dignified and versatile, it has been borne by queens and remains widely loved.
Kate
A crisp short form of Katherine that stands confidently on its own. It is elegant yet down-to-earth, a perennial favorite in England.
Katie
A cheerful diminutive of Katherine widely used as a full name. It is friendly and approachable, popular across many generations.
Kathleen
An anglicized form of the Irish Caitlín, common in England through the 1900s. It carries a warm, traditional, slightly vintage charm.
Kay
A short, bright name used independently or as a nickname for Katherine. It feels breezy and unpretentious, popular in the mid-twentieth century.
Keeley
A modern feminine name of Irish-English roots with a soft, flowing sound. It became fashionable in Britain in recent decades.
Keira
A graceful name brought to prominence in England by a famous actress. It is elegant and modern, with a gentle, lyrical quality.
Kelsey
An English place name and surname now used as a given name for both sexes. It reads as modern and casual, especially favored for girls.
Kerri
A feminine spelling variant of Kerry used as a girls name. It has a soft, friendly tone popular in the later twentieth century.
Kingston
An English place name and surname adopted as a bold modern first name. It conveys strength and a fashionable, place-name appeal.
Kris
A short, punchy form of Christopher or Kristen used for both sexes. It feels modern and informal while nodding to a classic root.
Krista
A streamlined form of Christina or Kristen with a clean, modern sound. It is simple and elegant, popular as a fresh alternative to longer names.
Kristine
A variant spelling of Christine used in English-speaking countries. It is graceful and classic, with a softly formal character.
Karl
An English spelling of Carl, ultimately meaning free man. It is solid and straightforward, with a sturdy, dependable feel.
Kingsford
A rare English place name and surname used as a distinguished first name. It carries a stately, traditional, slightly aristocratic tone.
Keaton
An English surname and place name now used as a modern given name. It sounds contemporary and stylish, with a soft yet strong character.
Knox
From a northern English and Scots word for a hillock, Knox is short and striking. It has surged as a bold, modern boys name.
Kimball
An old English surname occasionally used as a first name. It feels distinguished and uncommon, with a refined, vintage quality.
Kelvin
A name drawn from a Scottish river and surname, used across England. It has a clean, modern sound and a quietly scientific association.