The name King is of English origin and, as one might expect, means “ruler” or “monarch.” It’s derived from the Old English word “cyning,” which itself comes from the Proto-Germanic *kuningaz.
Origin: English
Gender: Traditionally male, but increasingly used for both genders
Popularity: In recent years, King has seen a significant rise in popularity as a given name in the United States. As of 2021, it ranked #180 for boys.
Inspiration for the name King can come from various sources:
- Desire for strength and leadership in a child
- Family surname tradition
- Admiration for historical or cultural figures with the title
- Religious significance (e.g., Jesus as the “King of Kings”)
- Modern cultural influences, including celebrities naming their children King
Notable people named King include:
- King Camp Gillette, American businessman
- King Vidor, American film director
- King Oliver, American jazz cornet player and bandleader
As a name, King carries connotations of power, authority, and nobility. Its rise in popularity reflects a trend towards bold, aspirational names in modern naming practices.
