Kersey is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are intricately tied to its namesake, the town of Kersey in Suffolk, England.
The town of Kersey itself is believed to have been named after an ancient Anglo-Saxon landowner who was called Cearsa or Chersey. This name is derived from Old English elements "cearu" meaning "deer" and "-sige" which means "victory". Therefore, the name Kersey can be interpreted as "victory of the deer".
The town of Kersey has a long and rich history dating back to the Domesday Book of 1086. Over time, its name evolved from Chersie in the 12th century, to Kersy in the 13th century, and finally to Kersey by the 14th century.
While it is not clear when the personal name Kersey began to be used independently of the town's name, it is believed that it started to appear in records during the late Middle Ages. It was a relatively uncommon name throughout history but has experienced some popularity as a given name in recent years.
In literature, one notable figure with the surname Kersey was Thomas Kersey (1690-1758), an English clergyman and biblical scholar who is best known for his Hebrew lexicon called "Elementa Hebraica".
Overall, Kersey is a unique and intriguing name with a rich history rooted in English folklore and language. Its meaning, "victory of the deer", adds to its allure as it evokes images of strength and grace.
Here are some interesting statistics about the name Kersey:
From 1991 to 2012, a total of 52 babies were given the name Kersey in the United States. This name's popularity peaked in 1991 with 11 births that year. The following years saw fluctuations in its usage: there were 7 births in both 1992 and 1993, followed by 5 births in 1994. There was a brief resurgence in 1996 with 6 births, but then the numbers dropped again to 5 births each in 1999 and 2001. After a gap of many years, there were 6 babies named Kersey in 2012.
Despite these ups and downs, it's clear that Kersey has remained a distinctive name choice for parents over the span of two decades. While not one of the most popular names, its consistent appearance on baby name lists shows that it continues to appeal to some families. Perhaps they appreciate its uniqueness or the personal significance attached to it. Whatever their reasons, these statistics demonstrate how the name Kersey has been chosen by at least 52 parents in America since 1991.