Kensley is a unique and captivating name of English origin. It is derived from the English surname Ken, which means "from Kent." Kent is an ancient kingdom in southeastern England, named after the Celtic word "Cantium," meaning "edge of the woods."
The name Kensley has gained popularity as a given name in recent years, particularly for girls. While it was once more commonly used as a boy's name, today it is often associated with females due to its delicate sound and feminine connotation.
Historically, the surname Ken was brought to America by early English settlers who migrated to the New World during the 17th century. As a given name, Kensley has only begun to appear in popularity rankings in recent years, reflecting its growing appeal among parents seeking unique and distinctive names for their children.
Overall, Kensley is an attractive choice for those looking for an uncommon yet accessible name with a rich history and meaningful origins. Its association with the ancient kingdom of Kent adds an appealing touch of English heritage to this charming moniker.
Statistics on the given name Kensley show a significant increase in popularity over time in the United States. From just 8 births in 1987, the number of babies named Kensley grew steadily each year, reaching a peak of 738 births in 2018.
The name's popularity really began to take off around the turn of the century, with only 41 births recorded in 2000. However, by 2010, this number had increased more than sixfold to 240 births. Since then, Kensley has continued to be a popular choice for parents, with over 500 babies named Kensley born each year from 2016 onwards.
As of the latest data available (2023), there have been a total of 8195 babies named Kensley born in the United States since 1987. This represents a notable trend towards choosing this particular name for newborns over the past few decades.