Declining since 2012, #691 for girls today.
Popularity of Kinley since 1979
Babies named Kinley per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 42 |
| 1990s | 353 |
| 2000s | 2,897 |
| 2010s | 13,351 |
| 2020s | 3,311 |
Meaning & origin
Kinley first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1979 and climbed steadily, peaking at rank in 2012. Since then, its trajectory has been falling, though it remains in use. The name is most popular in West Virginia, New Mexico, and Nebraska. With approximately 1 in 3,930 girls receiving the name in 2025, Kinley fits a modern style of surname-derived, feminine-leaning names ending in 'ley'. Its Irish etymology gives it a subtle heritage connection, but for most parents it is chosen for its sound and contemporary feel rather than its origins.
Kinley is an anglicized form of the Irish surname Ó Cionnfhaolaidh, derived from the personal name Cionnfhaoladh, meaning 'wolf-headed'. As a given name, it emerged in the United States in the late 20th century, part of the trend of using surnames and 'Kin-' names for girls. It gained steady popularity through the 1990s and 2000s, peaking in 2012.
Where Kinley is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kin, Kinnie
Sibling names for Kinley
Names that share Kinley's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Kinsley, Paisley, Harper, Avery, Hadley, Aubree, Braelynn, Braylee, Maci, Brinlee, Ashtynn, Bexlee, Delayne, Falyn, Haislee, Jerzi, Kensleigh, Tynlee, Blakeley, Brixlee, Jalayla, Mayzee, Waverley, Aidaly, Brindley, Chezney, Everliegh, Greidy, Hartlynn, Hinley, Karington, Laklynn, Makenleigh, Mayerly, Quinnly, Tatym
Brothers: Kyle, Carson, Landon, Bennett, Holden, Cayson, Coltyn, Daltin, Daxtin, Koleson, Braxen, Chaysen, Greysyn, Mcgregor, Taedyn
Names like Kinley
Names whose popularity has moved with Kinley's over the last 50 years.
