Kemsley

Kemsley is a surname of English origin derived from the old English elements "cempa," which means warrior, and "leah," which means clearing or meadow. The name Kemsley is believed to have originated in the medieval period in England.

Origins

The surname Kemsley is thought to have originated in the county of Kent in southeast England. The village of Kemsley, located near Sittingbourne in Kent, is believed to be the namesake of the surname. The first recorded instance of the surname dates back to the 14th century in Kent.

Distribution

The surname Kemsley is not very common and is primarily found in the United Kingdom, particularly in Kent and surrounding areas. However, some members of the Kemsley family have emigrated to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.

Notable Individuals

  • Frank Kemsley: An English footballer who played for various clubs in the early 20th century.
  • Helen Kemsley: A British author known for her works on historical fiction.
  • Sir William Kemsley: A prominent politician and philanthropist in 19th-century England.

Legacy

The surname Kemsley carries with it a sense of heritage and history, linking individuals to the village of Kemsley in Kent and the warriors of ancient England. Today, individuals bearing the surname Kemsley can trace their roots back to a distinct lineage within English history.

There are approximately 1,040 people named Kemsley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 7,150th most common surname in Britain. Around 16 in a million people in Britain are named Kemsley.

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Alex
  • Andrew
  • Christopher
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Kevin
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Peter
  • Richard
  • Stephen

Female

  • Caroline
  • Clare
  • Jane
  • Margaret
  • Pamela
  • Patricia
  • Philippa
  • Rebecca
  • Ruth
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Yvette

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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