Origin & Meaning of the Kinley Surname
What does the last name Kinley mean?
The surname Kinley 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 4,105 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kinley ranks as the #8,073 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kinley come from?
The Kinley 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 Kinley name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kinley 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 | Kinley |
|---|---|
| Meaning | From a meadow or clearing |
| Origin | English |
| Language | Old English |
| US Rank (2010) | #8,073 |
| US Count (2010) | 4,105 |
| Per 100K People | 1.39 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kinley
According to the US Census, the Kinley surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 4,105 Americans with the Kinley last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 83.19% |
| Black | 10.84% |
| Hispanic | 1.73% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.71% |
| Native American | 1.14% |
| Two or More Races | 2.39% |
Popularity of Kinley Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kinley surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kinley surname increased by 1,136 between 2000 and 2010.
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The Complete Story of the Kinley Family
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- ✓ The Kinley coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kinley families live today
- ✓ Notable Kinley bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
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Similar Surnames to Kinley
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kinley.
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 Kinley.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kinley
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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