Kingsley is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "cyning" meaning "king" and "leah" meaning "woodland clearing." Therefore, the name Kingsley can be interpreted as "king's meadow" or "king's clearing."
The name Kingsley has been used for centuries in England, but it gained significant popularity during the Victorian era. It was a popular choice among families of noble descent due to its royal connotations. However, it is important to note that there are no historical figures associated with the name Kingsley.
In literature, the name Kingsley is perhaps most famously associated with the English novelist and poet John Kingsley, who wrote under the pen name "Rider Haggard." His adventure novels set in Africa, such as "King Solomon's Mines" and "She," were incredibly popular during his time and continue to be widely read today.
Today, Kingsley remains a unique and unusual given name. While it may not be as common as some other names of English origin, it is still used occasionally and carries with it a certain air of nobility and distinction due to its royal origins. Overall, the name Kingsley is a timeless choice for parents looking for a distinctive and meaningful name for their child.
Here are some interesting statistics regarding the name Kingsley:
From 2007 to 2023, there have been a total of 97 babies named Kingsley born in the United States.
In terms of popularity over time:
- The year with the highest number of births was 2015, with 11 newborns named Kingsley.
- Conversely, the years with the lowest numbers were 2007 and 2016, each with only 6 babies named Kingsley.
It's also notable that:
- There was a consistent pattern of between 8 to 10 births per year from 2017 to 2020.
- After a slight dip in 2021 and 2022 (no data available), the number of babies named Kingsley rose again to 10 in 2023.
These statistics demonstrate that while Kingsley is not one of the most common names, it has maintained a consistent presence among newborns in the United States over the past decade and a half.