Find out how popular the first name Kinley has been for the last 45 years (from 1979 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kinley by gender

Based on the last 45 years of data, Kinley is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 99% of people named Kinley being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 499 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Kinley.

Yes—according to the SSA data, 6 baby boys were named Kinley in 2023, despite it being a predominantly female name. We'd love to know why!

The history of the first name Kinley

The name Kinley is believed to have its origins in the Scottish Gaelic language, with roots dating back to the medieval period in Scotland. It is derived from the Gaelic words "kin" meaning "head" or "chief" and "leagh" meaning "physician" or "healer." The combination of these words suggests that Kinley may have been a name given to those who held positions of leadership or authority in the field of medicine or healing practices.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kinley can be found in the historical records of the Scottish Highlands from the 15th century. It was a surname used by a family of physicians and healers who served the clans and communities in the region. Over time, the surname Kinley evolved into a first name, particularly in the Scottish Highlands and Isles.

In the 16th century, there are accounts of a Kinley MacLeod, a renowned healer from the Isle of Skye, who was known for his expertise in traditional Scottish herbal remedies and folk medicine. His skills and knowledge were highly regarded, and he was often sought out by clan leaders and the local population.

During the 17th century, the name Kinley gained further prominence with the birth of Kinley MacKenzie (1633-1691), a Scottish minister and scholar from Ross-shire. He was known for his contributions to religious literature and his efforts in promoting education in the Highlands.

Another notable figure bearing the name Kinley was Kinley Dorje (1628-1692), a Tibetan Buddhist master and the 25th Abbot of the Ngor Monastery in Tibet. He was renowned for his teachings on Buddhist philosophy and his dedication to preserving the traditional Tibetan Buddhist practices.

In the 19th century, Kinley Tenzin Norgay (1829-1904) was a Sikkimese-Tibetan Buddhist monk and scholar who played a significant role in the cultural and spiritual life of Sikkim. He was recognized for his expertise in Buddhist teachings and his efforts in promoting education and literacy in the region.

While the name Kinley has its roots in Scottish Gaelic and Tibetan Buddhist traditions, it has since been adopted and used across various cultures and regions around the world. However, its historical origins and associations with healing, leadership, and spiritual teachings remain an integral part of its meaning and significance.

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 Kinley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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