Alternatives To Kinsley

While theoretically unisex, this surname name has been edging up the girls’ names list, perhaps originally as an Ashley substitute. One quality in Ainsley's favor: It's remained steadily popular -- but not TOO popular -- for more than 20 years now, ranking consistently around Number 400. That makes it stylish and familiar without showing up everywhere.

Part Ashley, part Ainsley, part Annie, Ansley featured in the US Top 1000 from the late '90s until 2020. It peaked in 2011 when it nearly reached the Top 600, but has declined in recent years.

Ashley was a sensation in the 1980s and 1990s; it hit Number 1 in 1991. Ashley is still pretty but more and more parents are turning to newer names like Ashlyn and Aubrey, and spellings such as Ashleigh and Ashlea. If you hear the name Ashley in a playground today, it's more likely to be the mom than the little girl.

Brinley was a surprise entrant to the US Top 1000 in 2009, however, in 2023, it doesn't feel surprising at all. In fact, alternative spellings Brynleigh and Brynlee also rank in the Top 1000, with Brynley not too far behind.

A combination name and an English surname, Brynley has trendy sounds, nature-related meanings, and has a double dose of the cool letter Y. Despite this, it is less popular than its Top 1000 counterparts, Brinley, Brynlee, and Brynleigh, and given to around 170 girls each year. Actress Brynley Stent is a notable bearer, as are fitness influencer Brynley Joyner and Instagram star and dancer, Brynley Arnold.

Connelly is a rollicking and rare example of the popular surname genre that may work even better for girls. A huge update on Colleen.

A unisex surname now seeing some use for girls, as it fits right in with such trendy crossover girls' names as Everly. Ellery and Emery, and others with the popular ly/leigh/lea ending

This was a 100 percent boys’ name until celebs Jason Sehorn and Angie Harmon bestowed it on their daughter, followed by Lisa Marie Presley, who used it for one of her (female) twins. Finlay is also now among the most popular unisex names.

Smart and preppy, but with plenty of heart, Hartley is a surname style name that could work as an alternative to the popular Harley, Harlowe, Harper, and Hadley. Quietly used for boys throughout the 20th century, Hartley took off for girls in 2010 after both Sugar Ray singer Mark McGrath and baseball player Matt Cain used the name for their daughters.

With Henley and Kinsley two of the most popular new ley-ending baby names for girls, why not Hensley? We can think of several reasons, but if you like this style of name, Hensley is as attractive as any.

A surnamier take on Isla. Isley may be derived from the German occupational surname Eisele (of the same pronunciation), or be related to the Old English word hesli, meaning "hazel grove." The Eisley spelling is about twice as popular, but both versions together are given to about 200 baby girls in the US each year.

Jackie Kennedy gave this name a lot of style, but it doesn't seem destined for a comeback the way brother name Jack has. Jackie and Jacqueline both peaked in 1961.

The new Maia, the next Kayla, Kaia has been on the charts since the year 2000. You might see it as a female form of the also-rising Kai, which means sea in Hawaiian and is sometimes used for girls as well, or as a Kardashianization of the ancient goddess name Caia.

A huge name in the late 90's and most of the 00's, Kaitlyn's been on a downward trend in recent years. Kaitlyn and its soundalikes have been so well used in the US that they can no longer be seen as fresh, but it's still relatively popular in Canada.

A widely used name, Kaylee pulls together something from Kayla and something from Hailey, yet somehow loses something in the process. It has surpassed cousin Kayla on the charts and is one of three girls' names starting with Kthat ranks in the US Top 100.

Keeley is well-used in modern Ireland, also found as Keely and Keela. The boys' form is Keelan. Largely unknown in the US, this could make an interesting update for Kelly or Kaylie or Kylie. A famous bearer is actress Keeley Hawes.

Keelin is a form of Keelan, the Anglicized phonetic form of Caelan or Caoilinn, said to be a unisex name but in practice used almost exclusively for boys. Girls would more often be called Keela, Keeley, or Keely.

Kendall, as used for a girl, was initially propelled by a soap opera character (Sarah Michelle Gellar as Kendall Hart in All My Children) and reality star and Kardashian sister Kendall Jenner.

Kenna is the Scottish version of Kendra, both of which are feminine versions of Kenneth. Used in the TV show Reign for one of the supporting characters.

Similar to Kinsley, this modern choice has become much more popular in recent years; it first entered the Top 1000 in 2011. Part of its appeal might be that it sounds reminiscent of the overly-popular McKenzie.

Take away the Mac and what do you have? Rather than "son of Kenneth," the meaning becomes simply Kenneth, which in itself means son of fire or handsome.

Kia is a sweet, simple name that is now, unfortunately, associated with a Korean car label. Better today: Nia, Thea, or Keira.

Kieran is a boys' name that could cross over, as an update of outmoded Karen or a variation on trendy Kiera (or Keira or Kyra). Keren Ann is an Israeli-born singer. The proportion of babies named Kieran who are girls is less than ten percent, but is slowly growing. Kieran had an increase in use for girls in 2022.

Kiley is one of the more reasonable of the Kylie variations, which also include Kilea, Kilee, Kileigh, Kili, Kilie, Kylee, Kyley, Kyli, ad infinitum. Despite its similarity to the popular Riley, the high ranking Kylie will ensure that this choice comes with spelling confusion. For our part, we'd rather people stuck with the original Kylie, especially seeing as that is a Noongar Aboriginal word.

Kimberly's heyday was in the 1960s and 70s, when it ranked among the Top 10. While it hasn't been stylish for decades, it's evidenced more staying power than some former hot girl names, remaining among the Top 300 girl names in the US, where it's stood for 70 years.

Kindall is a modern unisex name that has gained more traction as a feminine name in recent years. It appears to be a variant spelling of Kendall, which originated as an English surname derived from a place name in Cumbria meaning 'valley of the River Kent.' The spelling variation with 'i' instead of 'e' gives the name a distinctive touch while maintaining the familiar sound. The name suggests kindness through its first syllable, which may contribute to its appeal. Kindall gained modest popularity in the late 20th and early 21st centuries, particularly in the United States. The name's balance of familiarity and uniqueness makes it attractive to parents seeking contemporary names with traditional structures.

Kindra is a feminine name that emerged in the mid-20th century as a creative variation, possibly derived from the word "kin" or as a blend of names like Kimberly and Sandra. It may also relate to the Welsh name Kendra, which comes from the place name Kendrick, meaning "royal ruler" or "champion." The name has a melodic quality with its balanced syllables and the pleasant combination of the strong 'k' sound followed by softer consonants. While never extremely common, Kindra saw modest popularity in the United States during the 1970s and 1980s. The name carries positive connotations of kindness and strength, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive yet accessible name.

Regal Kingsley seems like an all-boy name, but a growing number of parents have bestowed this name on a girl. Credit the ever-trendier -ley suffix.

The capital of Jamaica is also a popular name for American baby boys, but child actress Kingston Foster is a notable female bearer.

Kinna is a concise feminine name with multiple possible origins. It may derive from Swedish origins as a short form of names containing 'kind' (meaning 'child'), or it could be related to the Scottish place name Kinneff. Some also connect it to the Arabic word 'hinna' (henna). This multicultural background gives Kinna versatility across different heritage traditions. The name has a strong yet feminine sound with its crisp consonants balanced by soft vowels. Kinna's brevity makes it modern and practical, while its international roots add depth. Though uncommon in most countries, its straightforward pronunciation and spelling make it accessible. Parents might choose Kinna for its distinctive quality combined with simplicity and subtle nature-inspired undertones.

The name of a lake in Israel, known as the Sea of Galilee in English. The lake's name is derived from Hebrew kinnor "harp", due to its shape.

Kinnia is an ancient Irish saint's name — legend has it she was a maiden baptized by St. Patrick.

Kinnsey is a feminine name that appears to be a modern variation of Kinsey or Quincy. With the distinctive double 'n' spelling, it offers a unique twist on these more established names. Kinsey traditionally began as an English surname derived from a place name meaning 'king's island' or 'royal victory.' As a first name, Kinnsey has a contemporary, slightly preppy sound while maintaining femininity. The name gained some recognition after the publication of the Kinsey Reports on human sexuality in the mid-20th century, though this spelling variant remains quite rare. Its combination of traditional roots with modern styling gives it an appealing blend of familiarity and uniqueness.

Kinsey enjoyed popularity blip thanks to similarity to Lindsay, and because of Sue Grafton's alphabet mysteries heroine, Kinsey Millhone. Now, Kinsley has become more popular than Kinsey.

A rare and refined Irish place name (Cinn Mhara) turned baby name, belonging to a picturesque harbor town. As a given name, it has received occasional use especially amongst the upper classes in Britain. Lady Kinvara Balfour is an English playwright and novelist.

Kinza might sound or look like a modern choice, inspired by Kenzie and Kinzley, however, it is a variation of the Arabic Kanza and Kenza with the appealing meaning "treasure". It was one of the fastest rising names in the UK in 2023.

This endearing nickname name is one Katherine pet form that predates all the Kathys and Katies, having been fairly common in the eighteenth century. With the current mini-craze for animal-related names, Kitty is sounding cute and cuddly again—she's already jumped back onto the U.K. list, at number 199.

Popular pop name, inspired by Australian singer Kylie Minogue. It was at its height in Australia in the 1970s and early 80s; often cited as a Noongar name meaning "boomerang".

Kynsley is a modern feminine name that has gained popularity in the United States during the early 21st century. This contemporary creation combines elements of popular names like Kinsley and Kingsley with the trendy 'y' spelling that has become common in modern naming practices. The name has an English feel, possibly derived from words meaning 'king's meadow' or 'king's clearing,' though its current form is a recent innovation. Kynsley embodies the trend of surname-inspired first names with unique spellings. Its appeal lies in its contemporary sound combined with a somewhat traditional structure, offering parents a name that feels both fresh and familiar, distinctive without being difficult to pronounce or recognize.

Nickname name Lainey has been rising since the turn of the century to become a Top 200 girls' name in the US today.

A growing number of high-profile (and other) parents are choosing to honor their musical idols, such as Hendrix, Presley, Jagger, and now Lennon, an Irish name for girls as well as boys with a wonderful meaning on many levels. Lennon first came to notice when Liam Gallagher and Patsy Kensit used it for their son in 1999, and singer-musician Adam Pascal followed their lead two years later.

Linley is one of the trendy new girls' names created from two popular halves, Lin and Ley. All names Ley ending are popular right now, with Oakley, Bexley, and Riley picking up where Ashley left off. Nearly 100 baby girls were named Linley in one recent year, so it's closing in on the Top 1000.

An unusual, energetic surname choice that would make a good Madison alternative. Madigan was a typical police detective series of the 1970s, starring Richard Widmark.

Presidential name that makes a fresh substitute for MacKenzie or McKenna. Possible spelling variations include MacKinley, MacKinlee, Makinleigh ad almost infinitum. McKinley is one of the Scottish names for girls that can work equally well for boys.

One-time overnight success name, thanks to Hannah Montana actress and singer Miley Cyrus, Miley fell just as quickly from her peak of Number 127 in 2008 as the star entered her rebellious era.

Nicky is a feminine name that functions as both a nickname and a standalone given name. It traditionally serves as a diminutive for Nicole (feminine) or Nicholas (masculine), though when used for girls, it's most commonly associated with Nicole. The name Nicole derives from the Greek name Nikolaos, meaning 'victory of the people.' Nicky gained popularity as a given name in its own right during the mid-20th century when nickname-names became fashionable. It carries a friendly, approachable quality with a touch of playfulness. The name experienced peak usage for girls in the 1970s and 1980s but maintains a timeless appeal. Nicky balances casual charm with a bright, energetic character that works well across different life stages.

Nikki was the it-girl name of the 1970s and '80s as both a short form of Top 10 favorite Nicole and as a given name itself.

For a name related to a Scottish town, a patterned Indian fabric, and a country singer named Brad, Paisley has seen remarkable success. After appearing, seemingly out of nowhere, it is now an American favorite.

Quinn is one of the first popular Irish unisex surnames, a strong and attractive choice on the rise for girls but still popular for boys. Quinn was used for about 3000 baby girls and 700 boys in the US last year.

Riley—an upbeat, friendly surname name—is red hot for girls and still going strong for boys. If you haven't been spending much time around babies recently, you may be surprised to learn that Riley is the most popular girls' name starting with R and also the Number 1 Irish name for girls in the US.

With its surname-style, literary feel, and similarity in sound to Finley, Juniper, Pippa, Riley, and Presley, Ripley is an unexpected choice that was given to more than 200 girls in each recent year. First used back in the 80s, thanks to the powerful character played by Sigourney Weaver in the Alien films, it began to be used more substantially in the 2000s, after it was chosen by actress Thandiwe Newton for her daughter.

Meet my sibling, Sibley. Joking aside, Sibley sounds more possible than ever thanks to its trendy -ley ending and the new stylishness of big sister name Sybil.

Sisley may look like a modern coinage, building on the fashionable -ley ending, but it's actually a medieval English variant of Cicely or Cecily, which in turn is a variation of Cecilia. Also found as an English surname, from the same root.

New York socialite and reality TV star Tinsley Mortimer introduced this name to the mainstream. Following her Gossip Girl cameo in 2008 and the airing of her own show, High Society in 2010, this once obscure choice began to climb the charts. It debuted in the US Top 1000 in 2016 and though 2023 saw it drop from the charts, it is still given to around 250 girls each year.

The Wylie spelling (with that feminine Y) is much more common among girls than Wiley, but both have been climbing the ranks. Could Wiley be the next Riley?

Zayley -- which may also be styled Zaylee or Zaylie or Zalie, among other spellings -- is a member of the squad of names that include Bailey, Hayley, and Kaylee and is always welcoming new members.