Kinsley
Kinsley is a girl name of English origin meaning “King's meadow”, pronounced KINZ-lee. It ranked #93 in the United States in 2025, given to 2,671 babies, and peaked at #57 in 2021. Common nicknames: Kins, Kinsy, Lee.
How popular is Kinsley in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Kinsley mean, and where does it come from?
Kinsley is an English surname-turned-first-name derived from the Old English elements "cyning" meaning "king" and "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing," thus meaning "king's meadow." It originated as a place name in Yorkshire, England. As a first name, Kinsley has risen rapidly in popularity since the early 2010s, part of a broader trend of surnames and place names being adopted as girl names. Its regal meaning combined with the fashionable "-ley" ending has made it particularly appealing to modern parents. Kinsley entered the US top 100 girl names around 2014 and has maintained strong usage.
Variations & Nicknames
Variations
Nicknames
Famous People Named Kinsley
- Michael Kinsley — American journalist and commentator
- Kinsley James — American bridal designer
- Ben Kingsley — British actor (born Krishna Bhanji)
Similar Names to Kinsley
If you like Kinsley, you might also consider these names with a similar feel.
Sibling Name Ideas for Kinsley
Looking for names that pair well with Kinsley? Here are some sibling name suggestions that share a similar style and feel.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Kinsley mean?
Kinsley is a girl name of English origin meaning "King's meadow." Kinsley is an English surname-turned-first-name derived from the Old English elements "cyning" meaning "king" and "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing," thus meaning "king's meadow." It originated as a place name in Yorkshire, England.
How do you pronounce Kinsley?
Kinsley is pronounced KINZ-lee. Common variations include Kinslee, Kinsleigh, Kynslee.
Is Kinsley a girl name?
Yes, Kinsley is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Kins, Kinsy, Lee.