Meaning, origin, history
Kinsley is a unique and attractive given name of English origin. It has gained popularity in recent years due to its modern sound and unisex appeal.
The name Kinsley is derived from the Old English elements "cyne" meaning "king" or "keen," and "leah" which signifies "woodland clearing." Therefore, the name could be interpreted as "king's meadow" or "king of the meadow."
Historically, the surname Kinsley was first recorded in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appeared as "Chineslei" in Yorkshire, England. It is believed to have originated from a place-name meaning "Kin's clearing," referring to a person called Kin who had established a settlement there.
In terms of its history as a given name, Kinsley has only recently begun to appear on birth records. According to the Social Security Administration data in the United States, it was not among the top 1000 names for boys or girls until the year 2000. Since then, however, it has steadily climbed in popularity and is now ranked within the top 500 names for both sexes.
Kinsley's modern usage can be attributed to its popularity as a surname throughout history and its appealing unisex nature. Its meaning, "king of the meadow," gives it an attractive and unique sound that many parents find appealing for their children.
In numbers
Popularity of the name Kinsely since 1880
Total births
58
Total since 1880
Peak year
2017
11 births
in 2023
7
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+131%
↗
vs previous 5 years