Kestrel
Meaningkestrel falcon · English
- US rank
- #6,838
- Syllables
- 2
- Peak
- #6,176 in 2019
16 babies were named Kestrel in the US in 2025. It has climbed 1,131 places in five years.
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US births per million girls, 1985–2025
Similar names
Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
Did you know?
A few things about Kestrel you might not know, from US birth records. Handy for convincing a partner, or a grandparent.
- How commonAbout 1 in every 100,000 baby girls born in the US in 2025 was named Kestrel, 16 babies in all. In a typical school of 500 kids, your Kestrel would very likely be the only one.
- HistoryKestrel first shows up in US birth records in 1985, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 40 years since.
- Best yearIts best year was 2019, when it reached #6,176.
- Then vs nowKestrel is 3.6× more common today than it was in 2000. In 2000 it was given to about 1 in 357,143 baby girls; in 2025, about 1 in 100,000.
- TrendKestrel has climbed 1,131 places in the US rankings over the last five years and now sits at #6,838. Fast risers like this often keep climbing, so expect to hear it more.
- MeaningIn English, Kestrel means “kestrel falcon”.
About the name Kestrel
Kestrel is a girl name of English origin meaning “kestrel falcon”. It has 7 letters and 2 syllables, starting with K and ending in “-rel”. US birth records list Kestrel for girls from 1985 to 2025, in 33 of those 41 years. Its best year was 2019, when it ranked #6,176 among girl names. In 2025 it ranked #6,838, with 16 babies.
Origin:English names
| Decade | Babies per million | About 1 in |
|---|---|---|
| 1980s | 1.3 | 781,250 girls |
| 1990s | 2.4 | 411,523 girls |
| 2000s | 3.4 | 294,118 girls |
| 2010s | 6.6 | 151,286 girls |
| 2020s | 8.2 | 121,704 girls |
More English girl names
- Girl name: Olivia · olive tree
- Girl name: Charlotte · free
- Unisex name: Harper · harp player
- Girl name: Elizabeth · God is my oath
- Girl name: Lily · lily flower
- Girl name: Lucy · light
- Girl name: Lainey · possibly light
- Girl name: Scarlett · scarlet red
Questions about the name Kestrel
What does the name Kestrel mean?
Kestrel means “kestrel falcon” in English.
What is the origin of the name Kestrel?
Kestrel has English roots in our records. Other English names include Olivia, Charlotte, Harper.
Is Kestrel a boy or girl name?
Kestrel is a girl name.
How popular is the name Kestrel?
Kestrel ranked #6,838 for US girls in 2025, given to 16 babies. Its best year was 2019 (#6,176).