KINGSLEY
Kingsley
Origin:
Kingsley is an English surname of locational origin, derived from several places in England. The most notable of these is Kingsley in Cheshire, which means "King's wood or meadow."
History:
The surname Kingsley is believed to have originated in the medieval period, reflecting a strong association with royalty or nobility. Individuals bearing the Kingsley surname were often seen as having connections to important landowners or the monarchy.
Distribution:
The surname Kingsley is found across various regions in the UK, with concentrations in historical areas of Cheshire, Staffordshire, and Shropshire. Over time, migration and dispersal have led to Kingsley families establishing themselves in other parts of the country and abroad.
Notable People:
- Charles Kingsley (1819-1875): A prominent English clergyman, author, and social reformer, known for his works such as "The Water-Babies" and "Westward Ho!".
- Ben Kingsley (born 1943): A highly acclaimed British actor of stage and screen, famous for his roles in films such as "Gandhi" and "Schindler's List".
- Mary Kingsley (1862-1900): An intrepid Victorian explorer and writer known for her travels in Africa and her book "Travels in West Africa".
Coat of Arms:
The Kingsley family is associated with a traditional coat of arms, symbolising their heritage and lineage. The coat of arms typically features heraldic elements such as crowns, crosses, and lions.
Variants:
Variants of the surname Kingsley include Kingsey, Kinsley, and Kyngeley, each reflecting historical variations in spelling and pronunciation.
In conclusion, the surname Kingsley holds a rich legacy of connection to nobility, literature, and exploration, making it an integral part of British historical and cultural heritage.
There are approximately 2,459 people named Kingsley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,555th most common surname in Britain. Around 38 in a million people in Britain are named Kingsley.
Surname type: Location or geographical feature
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Anthony
- David
- James
- John
- Mark
- Michael
- Paul
- Peter
- Robert
- Simon
- Stephen
Female
- Anna
- Elizabeth
- Emma
- Jane
- Jean
- Julie
- Karen
- Mary
- Nicola
- Sarah
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.