Kinsley

Kinsley is a surname of English origin that is primarily found in the United Kingdom. The name is derived from the Old English elements "cyne", meaning "royal", and "leah", meaning "wood" or "clearing", suggesting an association with a royal clearing or woodland.

Historically, the surname Kinsley has been recorded in various regions of England, with concentrations in Yorkshire and Lancashire. The name may have originated as a locational surname, referring to individuals who lived in or near a place called Kinsley.

The earliest instances of the surname Kinsley have been found in medieval records, dating back to the 13th century. Over time, the name has evolved in spelling and pronunciation, with variations including Kynsley, Kynnesley, and Kinsleigh.

Individuals bearing the surname Kinsley have been noted in various fields, including politics, literature, and the arts. The name continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a connection to its English roots.

In contemporary times, the surname Kinsley remains relatively uncommon but retains a sense of heritage and identity for those who bear it.

There are approximately 795 people named Kinsley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,813th most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Kinsley.

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

  • Adam
  • Andrew
  • Anthony
  • David
  • Derek
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Steven

Female

  • Alison
  • Amanda
  • Claire
  • Emma
  • Jane
  • Julie
  • Laura
  • Margaret
  • Sarah
  • Sharon
  • Sheila
  • Susan
  • Victoria

Similar and related surnames

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

BritishSurnames.uk is a Good Stuff website.