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Kinleigh
Pronounced KIN-lee /ˈkɪn.li/High
Meaning: Modern -leigh spelling of Kinley, clipped from the surname McKinley, 'son of Fionnlagh' — Gaelic for 'fair-haired hero'Medium
Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Kinleigh is the -leigh styling of Kinley, which American parents clipped from McKinley — anglicized Gaelic Mac Fhionnlaigh, 'son of Fionnlagh', a name meaning 'fair-haired hero' or 'fair warrior'. The clip-and-respell pattern (McKenzie to Kenzie, Madison to Madisyn) defines the name's whole generation.
Kinley entered the U.S. charts in the late 2000s and the -leigh variant followed as that ending boomed. Kinleigh remains the rarer, more decorated sister — Scottish at the root, suburban-modern in the wild.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Kinleigh mean?
Kinleigh is a modern spelling of Kinley, clipped from McKinley — Gaelic for 'son of Fionnlagh', the 'fair-haired hero'.
How do you pronounce Kinleigh?
It's said KIN-lee /ˈkɪn.li/ — two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Kinleigh a boy or girl name?
Kinleigh is a girl's name.
How popular is Kinleigh?
Kinleigh is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Kinley is the more familiar form.