Kingsley is a boy's name of English origin. It is derived from the Old English words "cyning" meaning "king" and "leah" meaning "woodland clearing". Therefore, Kingsley can be translated to mean "king's meadow" or "king's wood".
The name Kingsley has a long history dating back to medieval England. In the Middle Ages, it was often used as a surname for people who lived near royal forests or who were employed by the king in some capacity. Over time, Kingsley became more commonly used as a given name.
One of the earliest known bearers of the name Kingsley was Sir Richard Kingsley, who was a knight and a soldier during the reign of King Henry VIII in the 16th century. His family coat of arms features three griffins, which are now associated with the surname Kingsley.
In recent years, the name Kingsley has gained popularity as a given name for boys. It is often chosen by parents who are drawn to its strong and regal sound, as well as its historical significance. Some famous people named Kingsley include the English actor and comedian Davey Jones (born David Kingsley Jones) and the American basketball player Kevin Durant (full name Kevin Wayne Durant), although he goes by his middle name professionally.
Overall, Kingsley is a unique and powerful-sounding name with a rich history and an appealing meaning. It is sure to make a strong impression wherever it is heard.
The name Kingsley has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. In the early 1900s, it saw moderate usage, with between 5 to 21 births per year from 1907 to 1934. However, starting in 1935, there was a notable increase in its popularity, reaching an all-time high of 69 births in 2008.
From 2009 onwards, the name Kingsley has consistently been among the top 1000 most popular boy names in the United States. In recent years, it has seen significant growth in popularity, with over 400 births per year from 2016 to 2020, and even exceeding 500 births in some years like 2017 and 2018.
As of 2022, Kingsley ranks among the top 300 most popular boy names in the United States, with over 200 births recorded that year alone. Overall, there have been a total of 6277 births named Kingsley in the United States since records began in 1907.
This trend indicates that the name Kingsley has gained significant traction among American parents in recent years and is likely to continue being popular for some time.