Origin & Meaning of the Kingsley Surname
What does the last name Kingsley mean?
The surname Kingsley carries the meaning "From a meadow or clearing." It is derived from the Old English language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 8,043 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kingsley ranks as the #4,417 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kingsley come from?
The Kingsley surname has its roots in English heritage. Names of English origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Kingsley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kingsley trace back to Old English. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Kingsley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #4,417 |
| US Count (2010) | 8,043 |
| Per 100K People | 2.73 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kingsley
According to the US Census, the Kingsley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 8,043 Americans with the Kingsley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 91.68% |
| Black | 2.19% |
| Hispanic | 3.1% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 1.24% |
| Native American | 0.52% |
| Two or More Races | 1.27% |
Popularity of Kingsley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kingsley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kingsley surname increased by 126 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Kingsley Family
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- ✓ The Kingsley coat of arms & heraldry
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- ✓ Where Kingsley families live today
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- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Kingsley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kingsley.
Other English Surnames
Explore more surnames with English roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same English origin as Kingsley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kingsley
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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