Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kensley

Kensley is the latest in a long list of surnames repurposed as given names. Kensley is a last name dating back to medieval England and was derived from a place name. The surname is the combination of an Old Nordic word “kelda” meaning “spring, well” and the Old English “lēah” meaning “clearing, glade”. Kensley would have been a surname given to a person who hailed from an area with such a topographical feature, as a means of identification for the purposes of taxation. Surnames were mainly derived from location names, occupations or nicknames as a way of differentiating men from one another (since so many people shared the same first names). Given the high rate of illiteracy in England during the Middle Ages, as well as the distinctly different dialects from region to region, surnames evolved drastically over time in both spelling and pronunciation. Kensley is believed to be similar to Kendall, another surname which means “valley of the spring” from the same Nordic “kelda” element.

All About the Baby Name – Kensley

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME KENSLEY

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME KENSLEY

Kensley has that surnamey quality that’s all the rage in American naming styles today. In the race to be different, parents in the U.S. are clamoring for these “Ken” names for their baby girls: Kennedy, Kendall, Kenley, Kenzie and now Kensley. Kensley is the latest on the list, only debuting in 2011. Because it’s so new and random, there are zero cultural references to the name which makes it a little ho-hum. It’s a cute sounding name but it does lack substance. It’s a name choice for the modern American parent who prefers trendy sounds over etymological meanings.

Quick Facts

ON KENSLEY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

English

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

632

PRONUNCIATION:

KENS-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Spring glade

Characteristics

OF KENSLEY

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kensley

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KENSLEY

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Kensley

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KENSLEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kensley


Popular Songs

ON KENSLEY

We cannot find any popular or well-known songs with the name of Kensley


Famous People

NAMED KENSLEY

We cannot find any celebrities or significantly famous people with the first name Kensley.

Children of Famous People

NAMED KENSLEY

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Kensley

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KENSLEY

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Kensley