Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Kinley

The name Kinley is a 21st century coinage and particular to the United States. It is most likely a truncated version of the Scottish surname McKinley. McKinley developed as a surname from a medieval Gaelic personal name “MacFhionnlaigh” meaning son of a ‘white skinned warrior’ from the elements “fionn” (fair, white skinned) and “laoch” (warrior). It is thought to have been in reference to Norsemen (those pesky Vikings who kept raiding the British Isles). McKinley is also occasionally found in Ireland as Mac an Leagha, meaning the son of a physician or medicine man. In the United States, the surname McKinley was held by the 25th U.S. President and the highest American mountain located in Alaska (which was later renamed Denali).

All About the Baby Name – Kinley

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME KINLEY

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME KINLEY

McKinley and Kinley both appeared on the U.S. naming charts in 2006, making them some of our newest inventions. American parents have opted for Kinley over McKinley from day-one, but both are showing growth on the charts. Almost a Top 200 favorite in five shorts years, Kinley is catching the attention of American parents. We don’t really get all the fuss. Kinley is not a name that easily rolls off the tongue, but it does match trends that favor K names for girls and the “ee” sounding suffix (like Kinsey, Kelsey). We just don’t think this name has a lot of pizzazz or excitement. It’s just a little, well, cutesy.

Quick Facts

ON KINLEY

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Gaelic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

205

PRONUNCIATION:

KIN-lee

SIMPLE MEANING:

Fair skinned warrior

Characteristics

OF KINLEY

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Kinley

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME KINLEY

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

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME KINLEY

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Kinley


Popular Songs

ON KINLEY

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


Famous People

NAMED KINLEY

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

Children of Famous People

NAMED KINLEY

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

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME KINLEY

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