Kenleigh is a unique and distinctive name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is derived from the Old English words "cyning" meaning "king" and "leah" which means "woodland clearing". Therefore, Kenleigh can be interpreted as "king's woodland clearing".
The name Kenleigh has a rich history dating back to medieval England. It was originally used as a surname, given to individuals who lived or worked in an area owned by the king. Over time, it evolved into a given name and gained popularity among parents seeking unique and meaningful names for their children.
Today, Kenleigh is still relatively rare compared to more traditional names, but it has become increasingly popular in recent years. It is often associated with strength, royalty, and nature, reflecting its meaning and origins. Some variations of the name include Kenlie, Kenly, and Kenley. Overall, Kenleigh is a beautiful and unique name that carries a strong historical legacy while still sounding modern and relevant.
Statistics on the given name Kenleigh in the United States show a varied trend over time.
From 1991 to 1996, there were only five births each year, indicating that the name was quite uncommon during this period. However, starting from 1998, there was a noticeable increase in the number of babies named Kenleigh, with nine births recorded that year. This trend continued into the next decade, with a significant jump to 19 births in 2000 and remaining above ten births per year until 2005.
The years 2006 to 2009 witnessed a steady rise in popularity for Kenleigh, with birth numbers increasing from 40 in 2007 to a peak of 129 in 2010. This period marked the highest point for the name's popularity, indicating that more parents were choosing Kenleigh as their baby girl's name.
However, after reaching its zenith in 2010, the popularity of Kenleigh started to decline gradually but steadily. From 2011 onwards, the number of births fell from a peak of 142 to just 70 in 2023, indicating that fewer parents are now selecting this name for their daughters.
In total, over the period from 1991 to 2023, there were 2,144 babies named Kenleigh born in the United States. While once quite uncommon, the name reached peak popularity around the late 2000s and early 2010s but has since declined in usage. Despite this fluctuation in popularity over time, Kenleigh remains a unique choice for parents looking for an uncommon yet memorable name for their child.