Kyle: Name Meaning, Origin, & Popularity

Girl name origins & meanings

What does Kyle mean and stand for as a girl's name?

Meaning:

Scottish: Narrow or strait channel
Irish: Handsome and graceful

Gender: Female

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Kyle is pronounced kahyl

The name Kyle has roots in both Scottish and Irish origins. In Scottish, it refers to a narrow or strait channel, often used to describe a geographical feature. In Irish, Kyle is associated with qualities of being handsome and graceful. It is a versatile and enduring name that can be used for both genders, though it's traditionally more common for boys.

Girl name variations

Boy name origins & meanings

What does Kyle mean and stand for as a boy's name?

Meaning:

Scottish: Narrow strait, channel; the name of a Scottish region
Gaelic: Handsome

Gender: Male

Syllables: 1

Pronunciation: The name Kyle is pronounced kahyl

The name Kyle has Scottish and Gaelic origins, traditionally meaning "narrow strait" or "channel." It also holds the connotation of "handsome" in Gaelic. This versatile and enduring name has been popular for decades, gracing individuals across the world with its strong and straightforward quality.

Boy name variations

Family name origins & meanings

Scottish and Northern Irish: regional name from a district in Ayrshire called Kyle, named for the British chieftains who ruled it in the 5th century, the Coel Hen. Also a habitational name from any of the numerous Scottish places named Kyle from Gaelic caol "narrow", also caolas "narrows", "strait." Compare Kyles.

Famous people who gave their babies this name

Matthew Fox

Clint Eastwood

Kyle in Pop Culture

Do you know these fictional characters that share this first name?

Kyle Broflovski from South Park - A studious, yet anxious character who often serves as the moral center of the animated series.
Kyle Valenti from Roswell - The high school jock turned sheriff's deputy, who evolves into a key figure in the story of human-alien interactions.
Kyle Reese from The Terminator - A soldier from the future sent back in time to protect Sarah Connor from a deadly cyborg assassin.
Kyle Trager from Kyle XY - A mysterious teen with extraordinary intelligence and no memory of his past, struggling to find his identity.
Kyle from Living Single - Known for his suave and sophisticated demeanor, Kyle is one of the main characters in this popular sitcom.

Popularity of the Name Kyle

According to Social Security Administration data, the name Kyle has experienced fluctuations in its popularity over the years. As of recent years, Kyle does not rank in the top 10 most popular baby names in the U.S., but it has been a consistently recognized name since the 20th century. Historically, Kyle reached peak popularity in the 1990s and early 2000s.

The name Kyle has been associated with various notable people and fictional characters. Notable individuals named Kyle include actor Kyle Chandler, known for his roles in Friday Night Lights and Bloodline, and Kyle MacLachlan, famous for his work in Twin Peaks and Dune. In sports, Kyle Busch is a well-known NASCAR driver. Fictional Kyles appear in numerous media, such as Kyle Broflovski from the animated series South Park and Kyle Reese from the iconic film The Terminator. These associations contribute to the enduring appeal of the name Kyle.