Kensley is a unisex given name of English origin, derived from an Old English surname, Cyneslie, which means "kin's meadow." The name gained popularity in the late 20th century and has since been used for both boys and girls. It is often associated with the famous American tennis player, Serena Williams' daughter, Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr., who goes by the nickname Kensley. The name carries a modern yet timeless appeal, suitable for parents seeking a unique yet familiar-sounding moniker for their child.
The name Kensley experienced a notable rise in popularity starting around the late 90s to early 2000s, with significant increases from 2006 onwards. The peak years for Kensley's popularity were between 2008 and 2014, with the highest number of births occurring in 2008 (17 births). However, since then, the popularity has somewhat stabilized with fluctuations ranging between 8 to 16 births per year. Overall, there have been a total of 301 Kensley births from 1989 to 2023 inclusive.