Find out how popular the first name Kinsley has been for the last 46 years (from 1978 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kinsley by gender

Based on the last 46 years of data, Kinsley is more commonly used as a female name, with approximately 100% of people named Kinsley being female.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 3,188 female babies and 6 male babies born with the name Kinsley.

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

The history of the first name Kinsley

Kinsley is an English given name that has its roots in the Old English language. It is believed to be derived from the combination of two words: "cyning" meaning "king" and "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing." Thus, the name Kinsley can be interpreted as "the king's meadow" or "the meadow of the king."

The earliest recorded use of the name Kinsley dates back to the late 11th century in England. One of the earliest known bearers of this name was Kinsley de Warenne, a Norman nobleman who lived during the reign of William the Conqueror in the late 11th century. He was granted lands in Yorkshire and Sussex after the Norman Conquest of England in 1066.

In the Middle Ages, the name Kinsley was primarily used by members of the English nobility and aristocracy. It was often associated with landowners and those who held positions of power and influence. However, over time, the name gradually spread to other social classes as well.

Kinsley has also been mentioned in various historical texts and records throughout the centuries. For instance, in the Domesday Book, a comprehensive survey of England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086, there are several references to places named Kinsley or variations thereof.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Kinsley. One of the earliest recorded was Kinsley de Warenne, mentioned earlier. Another was Kinsley Haviland (1564-1642), an English merchant and explorer who was one of the founders of the Massachusetts Bay Colony in America.

In the 18th century, Kinsley Ingham (1736-1821) was a British politician and Member of Parliament for Bury St Edmunds. Kinsley Gregg (1799-1887) was an American businessman and politician who served as the 12th Governor of New Hampshire from 1855 to 1857.

In more recent times, Kinsley Amis (1922-1995) was a renowned British novelist, poet, and critic, best known for his novels such as "Lucky Jim" and "The Old Devils." He was one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have borne the name Kinsley throughout history, showcasing its rich heritage and cultural 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 Kinsley was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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