Find out how popular the first name Kinly has been for the last 18 years (from 1999 to 2016) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kinly by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Kinly is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2016, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kinly.

The history of the first name Kinly

The name Kinly has its origins in the ancient Celtic languages, with roots that can be traced back to the early medieval period in the British Isles. It is believed to have evolved from the Old Welsh word "cynlaith," which means "superior leader" or "chieftain." This name was commonly used among the various Celtic tribes that inhabited the region, particularly in what is now known as Wales and Cornwall.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kinly can be found in the "Annales Cambriae," a chronicle of Welsh history dating back to the 10th century. The name appears in reference to Kinly ap Rhodri, a Welsh prince who lived in the late 9th century and was known for his military exploits against the Vikings.

In the 12th century, the name Kinly gained further prominence with the rise of Kinly ap Rhys, a Welsh nobleman and military leader who played a significant role in the struggle for Welsh independence against the Norman invaders. His legacy as a fearless warrior and defender of his people's freedom has been immortalized in various Welsh folk tales and bardic poetry.

Another notable figure bearing the name Kinly was Kinly Vaughan, a 16th-century Welsh scholar and translator. Born in 1550, Vaughan is renowned for his contributions to the study of Welsh language and literature, particularly his translations of works by prominent Renaissance authors into Welsh.

In the realm of literature, the name Kinly appears in the works of the celebrated Welsh poet Dafydd ap Gwilym, who lived in the 14th century. In one of his poems, he makes a reference to a woman named Kinly, though it is uncertain whether this was a real person or a fictional character.

Moving beyond the British Isles, the name Kinly has also been recorded in various historical documents from Ireland, where it is believed to have been adopted by some families with Celtic roots. One notable Irish figure bearing this name was Kinly O'Brien, a 17th-century chieftain and leader of the O'Brien clan during the turbulent period of the Irish Confederate Wars.

While the name Kinly has its origins in the Celtic cultures of the British Isles and Ireland, it has also found its way into other parts of the world over the centuries, carried by travelers, immigrants, and those seeking new opportunities. However, its historical roots remain firmly grounded in the rich cultural tapestry of the ancient Celtic peoples.

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

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

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