Kjell
Every Kjell since 1958 — 360 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Kjell
Kjell is not currently in use for newborns in the United States — fewer than five babies received the name in 2025. Its story lives in the historical record below.
Since 1958, 360 American babies have been named Kjell. Its peak came in 1968, when 15 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1960s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Kjell stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Kjell year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | — | — |
| 2024 | — | — |
| 2023 | — | — |
| 2022 | — | — |
| 2021 | — | — |
| 2020 | — | — |
| 2019 | — | — |
| 2018 | — | — |
| 2017 | — | — |
| 2016 | — | — |
| 2015 | — | — |
| 2014 | 6 | #11,509 |
| 2013 | — | — |
| 2012 | — | — |
| 2011 | 6 | #11,646 |
| 2010 | — | — |
| 2009 | — | — |
| 2008 | — | — |
| 2007 | 12 | #6,890 |
| 2006 | 7 | #10,181 |
| 2005 | 5 | #12,507 |
| 2004 | 7 | #9,501 |
| 2003 | 6 | #10,299 |
| 2002 | — | — |
| 2001 | — | — |
| 2000 | — | — |
| 1995 | 7 | #7,435 |
| 1990 | 6 | #7,680 |
| 1985 | 8 | #4,949 |
| 1980 | 12 | #3,524 |
| 1975 | 12 | #3,160 |
| 1970 | 5 | #5,114 |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | 5 | #4,347 |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Kjell
- Kjell Magne Bondevik Politician · b. 1947
- Kjell Askildsen Writer · b. 1929
- Kjell Eugenio Laugerud García Politician · 1930–2009
- Kjell Ola Dahl Writer · b. 1958
- Kjell Westö Writer · b. 1961
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Kjell in 2025?
Kjell did not appear in the 2025 Social Security data, which means fewer than five babies received the name that year.
How many people are named Kjell?
360 babies have been named Kjell in the United States since 1958, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Kjell most popular?
Kjell peaked in 1968, when 15 newborns received the name.
Is Kjell a boy or girl name?
Kjell is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Kjell rising or falling?
Kjell is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Kjell?
Well-known people named Kjell include Kjell Magne Bondevik (politician), Kjell Askildsen (writer), Kjell Eugenio Laugerud García (politician).