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Kingsley

♂ Boy

Pronounced KINGZ-lee /ˈkɪŋz.li/High

Meaning: King's meadow; from Old English cyning (king) + leah (clearing, meadow)High

In 30 seconds: An Old English place-name surname meaning 'king's meadow.' Associated with Victorian novelist Charles Kingsley (The Water-Babies) and actor Ben Kingsley, it carries both literary and screen prestige.
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Origin HighEnglish
MeaningKing's meadow; from Old English cyning (king) + leah (clearing, meadow)
U.S. rank (2024)#984 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births228 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)
Peak year2016
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,506

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201619072024

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Kingsley is an Old English place-name surname from cyning (king) and leah (clearing, meadow). Several English villages bear the name. It became a given name primarily through the influence of novelist Charles Kingsley (1819–1875) and actor Ben Kingsley.

Kingsley entered U.S. boys' charts in the 2010s. It ranked #984 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Ben Kingsley was born Krishna Pandit Bhanji — he adopted the stage name Kingsley from his father's side. His Oscar-winning performance as Mahatma Gandhi (1982) made both 'Ben Kingsley' and 'Kingsley' instantly recognizable names.
Overall data confidence 91%
Behind the Name — Kingsley — Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

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Nicknames

KingKins

Famous Bearers

  • ★Charles Kingsley (1819–1875)
    Victorian novelist, author of The Water-Babies (1863) and Westward Ho! Professor of history at Cambridge and a clergyman.

If you like Kingsley…

Kinsley— the gender-neutral or female form of the same -sley root
Bradley— two-syllable -ley Old English place-name in the same register
Bentley— two-syllable -ley English surname in the same prestige category
Wesley— two-syllable -ley English Methodist surname in the same classic tier
Leighton— two-syllable English -ton place name with the same stately feel

Frequently Asked

What does the name Kingsley mean?

Kingsley means 'king's meadow,' from Old English cyning (king) and leah (clearing, meadow).

How do you pronounce Kingsley?

It's said KINGZ-lee — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Kingsley a boy or girl name?

Kingsley is primarily a boys' name but also charts for girls.

How popular is Kingsley?

Kingsley ranked #984 for U.S. boys in 2024.