Kingsley
Meaning of Kingsley
The name Kingsley is a distinguished and elegant choice for both boys and girls, making it a versatile unisex name. Pronounced as KINGZ-lee (/ˈkɪŋz.li/), this name has an English origin, derived from the Old English words "cyning" meaning "king" and "leah" meaning "woodland clearing or meadow." Historically, it was used as a surname before transitioning into popular use as a first name. Kingsley evokes images of royalty and nobility, offering an air of sophistication and regality.
Over the years, Kingsley has steadily gained popularity in the United States. In 2023, it ranked at 848 with 284 occurrences, reflecting its growing appeal among modern parents. The name saw its highest recent rank in 2016 at 584 with 473 occurrences. Despite fluctuations in its ranking over the decades, Kingsley remains a timeless choice that embodies strength and dignity.
A notable variation of this name is Kingsleigh, which retains the same regal charm while offering a slightly different spelling option. Whether you choose Kingsley or its variant Kingsleigh, this name carries a sense of grandeur that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Pronunciation
English
- Pronunced as KINGZ-lee (/ˈkɪŋz.li/)
U.S. Popularity Chart
States Popularity Chart
Similar Names to Kingsley
- Kingston
- Kingsleigh
- Kingsford
- Kingslynn
- Kingson
- Kingsby
Notable People Named Kingsley
| Sir Kingsley William Amis was a prolific English novelist, poet, critic, and teacher, best known for his satirical comedies such as Lucky Jim and The Old Devils. |
| Kingsley Chiedu Moghalu OON is a Nigerian political economist, former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and presidential candidate of the Young Progressive Party in the 2019 general election. |
| Kingsley Jones is a Welsh rugby union coach and former player who currently coaches the Canadian national team, with experience playing and coaching at both amateur and professional levels in Wales and England. |
| Kingsley Ogilvie Fairbridge was the founder of a child emigration scheme and the Fairbridge Schools, dedicated to providing opportunities for children to emigrate from Britain to its colonies. |
| Kingsley Davis was an esteemed American sociologist and demographer, recognized as one of the most outstanding social scientists of the twentieth century. |
| Sir Kingsley Charles Dunham was a prominent British geologist and mineralogist, known for his significant contributions to the field in the 20th century. |
| Kingsley Ben-Adir is a British actor known for his roles in television shows such as Vera, The OA, and Peaky Blinders, as well as for his performances in London theatres. |
| Kingsley Holgate is a renowned South African explorer, humanitarian, and author, known for his extensive travels across Africa, his affiliation with the Royal Geographical Society, and his work on National Geographic documentaries. |
| Kingsley Boateng is a Ghanaian-born Italian professional footballer known for his skills as a winger. |
| Kingsley Sambo (1936–1977) was a renowned Rhodesian painter and cartoonist. |
| Kingsley Bryce is an American soccer player known for his time with the Chicago Fire in Major League Soccer. |
| Kingsley Osezele Ehizibue is a professional footballer who plays as a right back for Serie A club Udinese Calcio and represents Nigeria internationally. |
| Kingsley Schindler is a German-born professional footballer who represents the Ghana national team and plays as a midfielder for Turkish club Samsunspor. |
| Kingsley Benedict was a prolific American actor of the silent film era, with over 50 film appearances between 1915 and 1930. |
| Kingsley Amuneke is a retired Nigerian footballer known for his career as a defender. |
