Kinley is of American origin, derived from the Old Norse personal name Cyning, which means "king". It has been used as a given name since at least the mid-20th century in the United States. The name Kinley gained some popularity during the late 20th and early 21st centuries, often favored by parents seeking unique and distinctive names for their children.
The name Kinley experienced varied popularity throughout the 20th and early 21st centuries, with notable peaks in recent years. Between 1917 and 1985, there were only 37 recorded births, with the highest single-year total being 9 in 1967. However, from 1991 onwards, the name's popularity surged, reaching a peak of 25 births in 2011. Since then, it has maintained a steady presence, with annual birth counts ranging from 5 to 13 between 2014 and 2023, inclusive. In total, there have been 354 recorded births of the name Kinley since 1917.