Find out how popular the first name Kenley has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kenley by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kenley is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 88% of people named Kenley being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 144 female babies and 27 male babies born with the name Kenley.

The history of the first name Kenley

The name Kenley is an English name with its origins dating back to the Anglo-Saxon period. It is derived from the Old English words "cyne" meaning "royal" or "kingly" and "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing in a forest". The name thus translates to "royal meadow" or "meadow of the king".

Historically, the name Kenley was used as a place name, referring to various locations in England. One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Kenley can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, where it appears as "Cheneli" and "Chenele", referring to settlements in Shropshire and Surrey.

In terms of its use as a personal name, Kenley has a relatively recent history. One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Kenley was Kenley Inge Garnett (1888-1976), an English barrister and judge. Another notable figure was Kenley Joseph Clarence Dove (1923-1996), a British World War II pilot and later a successful businessman.

Other historical figures who bore the name Kenley include Kenley Arrington (1961-2011), an American actor and stuntman who appeared in several films and television shows. Kenley Collins (born 1975) is an American fashion designer and reality television personality who appeared on Project Runway.

In literature, the name Kenley is featured in the novel "The Kenley Incident" by Carl Brookins, published in 2001. The book revolves around a fictional character named Kenley who becomes embroiled in a murder mystery.

While Kenley is not a common name, it has been used throughout history, particularly in England and the United States. Its roots can be traced back to the Anglo-Saxon period, and it has been associated with various notable individuals across different fields.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kenley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kenley, please contact us.

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