Find out how popular the first name Kinsey has been for the last 49 years (from 1975 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kinsey by gender

Based on the last 49 years of data, Kinsey is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 97% of people named Kinsey being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 103 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Kinsey.

The history of the first name Kinsey

The name Kinsey has its origins in the English language, derived from the Old English surname "Cynesige," which means "king's victory." It is believed to have emerged during the Anglo-Saxon period in England, between the 5th and 11th centuries.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kinsey can be found in the Domesday Book of 1086, a census commissioned by William the Conqueror. The name appears as a surname, with a few variations in spelling, such as "Kinsi" and "Kinsie."

Throughout the Middle Ages, the name Kinsey was predominantly used as a surname, particularly in the northern regions of England. It wasn't until the 16th century that it began to gain popularity as a given name.

One notable historical figure with the name Kinsey was Sir John Kinsey (1604-1677), an English politician and Member of Parliament during the English Civil War. He played a significant role in the Siege of Gloucester in 1643, successfully defending the city against the Royalist forces.

Another individual of note was Alfred Kinsey (1894-1956), an American biologist and professor of entomology and zoology. He is best known for his groundbreaking research on human sexual behavior, which led to the publication of the Kinsey Reports in the late 1940s and early 1950s.

In the literary world, Kinsey Millhone is a fictional character created by Sue Grafton, an American author of detective novels. The series, which spans from "A" Is for Alibi (1982) to "Y" Is for Yesterday (2017), follows the adventures of the female private investigator Kinsey Millhone.

Kinsey Wolanski (born 1996) is a contemporary figure who gained notoriety for her streaking incident during the 2019 UEFA Champions League final between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. Her actions made her an internet sensation and sparked discussions about publicity stunts and public indecency.

Another notable individual with the name Kinsey was Kinsey Naoine (1963-2017), a Navajo painter and artist known for his vibrant and culturally significant works. His paintings often explored themes of Native American identity, tradition, and the natural world.

While the name Kinsey has its roots in England and was initially used as a surname, it has transcended its origins and become a respected given name in various parts of the world, particularly in English-speaking countries.

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

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

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