All about the name

Kinney

Male

« Kinney is an American given name derived from the English surname denoting someone who lived near or worked at a mill, with no specific meaning but sometimes associated with strength and resilience. »

#9408 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

Kinney is a unique and distinctive given name of American origin. It is derived from an English surname that was originally used to denote someone who lived near or worked at a mill. The name is believed to have been derived from the Middle English word "kin," meaning "mill," and the suffix "-ey," which denotes a place or estate. The use of Kinney as a given name is relatively recent, with its popularity increasing in the United States during the mid-to-late 20th century. It is thought to have been popularized by its use as a character name in various forms of media, such as the comic strip "Li'l Abner" and the television series "Cheers." Despite its unconventional origins, Kinney does not have any specific meaning or symbolism attached to it. However, some people may associate it with the ideas of strength, resilience, and adaptability, given its connection to the industrial setting of a mill. Today, Kinney is still considered an uncommon name, but it has gained some popularity in recent years, particularly among parents looking for unique and distinctive names for their children. Overall, Kinney is a name that stands out due to its unusual origins and unconventional sound.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Kinney since 1880

Total births
354
Total since 1880
Peak year
1961
15 births
in 1993
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years