"king's meadow or island"
Origin: Old English
Language: English
Kinsey
Pronunciation: [ k-IHNZ-ee ]
Does Kinsey flow with your last name?
A crisp English surname with royal roots
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Things to Know About This Name
- Associated with Alfred Kinsey, controversial sex researcher whose work was celebrated but methods questioned
The Story of Kinsey
Kinsey is an English surname derived from Old English elements meaning royal victory (cyning + sige) or king's island/meadow. As a family name it was established in England before the Norman Conquest. Its transition to a given name, particularly for girls, is a modern American phenomenon that gained momentum in the 2000s and 2010s.
Kinsey has been rising as a given name in the US, appealing to parents who favor -sey and -ley surname-style names for girls. The TV series Kinsey (2004) about Alfred Kinsey brought the name to mainstream awareness.
Alfred Kinsey, the 20th-century American sex researcher, is the most famous bearer of this surname. His Kinsey Scale for measuring sexual orientation has had lasting cultural impact, which some parents may consider relevant.
Historical Record
Kinsey first appeared in US Social Security records in 1968.
Over 7,764 babies have been named Kinsey in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Kinsey is past its peak , currently ranked #2,386 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Alfred Kinsey's 1948 book Sexual Behavior in the Human Male revolutionized scientific understanding of human sexuality
- Kinsey as a given name has been growing steadily, ranking in the US top 500 for girls since the 2010s
Kinsey in Other Languages
French
Kinsey
German
Kinsey
Spanish
Kinsey
Popularity Over Time
#2,386
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1998
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Kinsey
A
Alfred Kinsey
Scientist
1894
American biologist and sex researcher who created the Kinsey Scale and wrote landmark studies on human sexuality
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Compare Kinsey with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,386
- Total SSA Count
- 76
- Cultural Origins
- American English
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Kins
Kinz
Kiki
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Kinsey
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Kinsey is also used as a boy name, ranked #33355.
View Kinsey as a boy name →Similar Names
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Old Irish origin
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Frequently Asked Questions About Kinsey
What does the name Kinsey mean?
"king's meadow or island" (from Old English). Kinsey is an English surname derived from Old English elements meaning royal victory (cyning + sige) or king's island/meadow. As a family name it was established in England before the Norman Conquest. Its transition to a given name, particularly for girls, is a modern American phenomenon that gained momentum in the 2000s and 2010s.
What is the origin of the name Kinsey?
Kinsey has Old English, American, and English origins. In Old English, it means "king's meadow or island".
Is Kinsey a boy or girl name?
Kinsey is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2386. As a boy name, it is ranked #33355. Kinsey is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Kinsey?
Kinsey is pronounced k-IHNZ-ee.
How popular is the name Kinsey?
Kinsey is currently ranked #2386 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Kinsey?
Common nicknames for Kinsey include Kins, Kinz, and Kiki.
What are good middle names for Kinsey?
Popular middle name pairings include Kinsey Grace, Kinsey Ann, Kinsey Marie, Kinsey Rose, Kinsey Jo, and Kinsey Lee.
What are good sibling names for Kinsey?
Names that pair well with Kinsey as siblings include Hadley, Finley, Paisley, Brecken, Sawyer, and Harper.
How many syllables does Kinsey have?
Kinsey has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Kinsey a common or rare name?
Kinsey is an uncommon name, ranked #2386 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Kinsey?
About the Name Kinsey
Kinsey is a girl name with American and English origins . The name means "king's meadow or island" in Old English .
Is Kinsey a boy or girl name? Kinsey is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,386 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #33,355. Kinsey is more commonly used as a girl name.
Kinsey is currently ranked #2,386 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Kinsey has 2 syllables and is pronounced k-IHNZ-ee, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Kinsey include Kins, Kinz, and Kiki. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Kinsey include Kinsley, Kinslee, Kinsleigh . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis