Kesley

“from the hedged meadow”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 9% boys♀ 91% girls

#10743US 2023

9Births / yr

↓Falling

680All-time births

📅 Since 198300

What does Kesley mean and where does it come from?

Kesley is a modern English name derived from a surname originating from a place name. It has gained popularity in the United States, especially during the late 20th century. Variations of the name include Kelsey, which has a more established history and has been popularized through various cultural

Cultural significance

Kesley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the hedged meadow.

Peak popularity

Reached #3211 in 1990 — currently #10743 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Kesley?

Kesley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Kesley Grace

How popular is Kesley right now?

Falling — down 684 spots — currently #10743 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1985–2023#10743 · Top 7.9%

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#10743	9	▼ down 684 · -10% births
2022	#10059	10	▲ up 638 · +11% births
2021	#10697	9	▼ down 1642 · -18% births
2020	#9055	11	▼ down 464 · -15% births
2015	#8591	13	▼ down 1575 · -28% births
2010	#7016	18	▲ up 2674 · +64% births
2005	#9690	11	▼ down 2341 · -21% births
2000	#7349	14	▼ down 2213 · -26% births
1995	#5136	19	▼ down 1925 · -46% births
1990	#3211	35	▲ up 4877 · +338% births
1985	#8088	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kesley

Best Year1990Rank #3211

Peak Count35

Average Rank#8149

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1985 - 202311 years

The story of Kesley

Kesley is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1983. With 680 total births recorded, Kesley remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #8088 in 1985, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #10743 in 2023. Kesley is used for both genders: 91% female and 9% male.

Names that peaked alongside Kesley in 1990:

Jessica Ashley Brittany Amanda Samantha

Kesley by decade

Kesley peaked in the 1990s. See all 1990s names →

Decade	Births
1970s	11
1980s	124
1990s ★	251
2000s	155
2010s	128
2020s	11

💎Kesley has only 680 total recorded births since 1983 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Kesley?

Common

KesKeEsley

What names sound and feel like Kesley?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kesley also consider these

Kessley

American · English

Kenley

American · Royal meadow

American · Western meadow

Keley

American · Belonging to a

Kesler

American · A surname derived

Tesley

American · Derived from the

Common questions about the name Kesley

What does the name Kesley mean?

Kesley means "from the hedged meadow" — a name rooted in American tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Kesley?

Kesley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Kesley?

Kesley originates from American tradition. American names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

Is Kesley a common or rare name?

Kesley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.

Is Kesley more of a girl or boy name?

Kesley is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.