The surname Kemsley is believed to be of English origin and derived from various places with that name. The place names are primarily found in Kent and Somerset counties in England.
The first recorded reference of Kemsley as a surname can be traced back to the 13th century in the Hundred Rolls of 1273, where a Robert de Kemelesley was listed in the county of Yorkshire, England.
The name is thought to have originated from any of several places named Kemsley, such as:
1. Kemsley in Kent, which means "clearing or farm of Cyme's people" from Old English "cymas" and "leah"
2. Kempsleigh in Somerset, which comes from the Old English words "ceomp" (companion) and "leah" (wood or clearing), meaning "the wood or clearing of companions"
3. Kemsley Manor in Wiltshire, which was granted to William de Kemsley by King Henry III in the 13th century
It's important to note that surnames were not always consistently spelled during medieval times, and many variations in spelling have arisen over time due to factors like local dialects and scribes' handwriting styles.
This is a historical account and does not cover all possibilities or variants of the Kemsley surname.
Learn more about the origin of the last name Kemsley
The meaning and origin of the last name Kemsley
The surname Kemsley is an English locational name derived from places called Kempshale, Kemsing, or possibly Kempston, all of which have varying spellings throughout history and are found in various counties in England. The name originates from Old English "cempa" meaning "companion" and "hyll" meaning "hill," indicating a hill where companions lived or met. Over time, the spelling of the surname evolved as people migrated, with variations such as Kempshale, Kemsley, Kempson, and Kempsall emerging. The name became popular in England during the Middle Ages and was later brought to North America by English settlers. Today, it remains a relatively uncommon but distinctive surname.
Geographical distribution of the last name Kemsley
The last name Kemsley is predominantly found in England and Wales, suggesting its origins from this region. According to data from Family Names of the World (2016), the highest concentration of individuals with the surname Kemsley resides in these countries, particularly in Kent, a county in southeastern England. The name may be associated with various places named Kemsley within Kent, which could imply a local origin for the surname. Aside from England and Wales, the name has also been found in smaller numbers in other English-speaking countries like Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United States, where emigration from Britain may have contributed to its dispersal.
Variants and spellings of the last name Kemsley
The surname Kemsley has several variants and spelling variations across regions and historical periods. Some common variations include: Kempsley, Kampsley, Keamsey, Kemesly, Kemzlie, Kemzley, Kemzleigh, Kemzelie, and Kemzeligh. These variations may arise from differences in spelling conventions, phonetic interpretation of the name by different scribes, or simply through the passage of time. In some cases, these variations can also be found among families with different origins, as they share a similar sounding name. It is important to note that while these variations may exist, the root origin of the surname Kemsley is Old English and means "village clearing associated with a kemp's clearing."
Famous people with the last name Kemsley
Notable individuals with the surname Kemsley include:
1. Paul Kemsley, a British businessman and former footballer who played for Queens Park Rangers and Crystal Palace in the 1970s and 1980s, and later became a member of the English Football Hall of Fame. He also had a successful career in business, serving as the Chairman of the London Steelers basketball team and co-owning the New York/New Jersey Aviators of the National Lacrosse League.
2. Lisa Kemsley, a British actress who appeared in several television series such as "Holby City," "Casualty," and "Waking the Dead." She also starred in the West End musicals "Les Misérables" and "Miss Saigon."
3. James Kemsley, a British politician who served as the Member of Parliament for Southend East from 1945 to 1950. He was also a prominent member of the Conservative Party.
4. Richard Kemsley, an English novelist and poet, best known for his work "The Man Who Loved Witches." His writing often explores themes of love, spirituality, and the human condition.
These individuals have made significant contributions in various fields such as sports, acting, politics, and literature.
Genealogical research on the last name Kemsley
The Kemsley surname is believed to have originated from Kimley, a village located in Norfolk, England. The name is derived from the Old English 'cym' meaning 'common' or 'public' and 'leah' meaning 'wood', denoting a common or public woodland clearing. The earliest recorded instances of the surname appear in the Domesday Book of 1086 as Cameleia and Camelai, which later evolved into Kemsley by the 12th century.
The Kemsley family has a notable history, with several prominent members throughout history. John Kemys, a Welshman, was executed for his involvement in the rebellion against King Henry VIII in 1536. Sir Thomas Kemys, another member of the family, served as Sheriff of Norwich during the reign of Elizabeth I. The surname also spread to Ireland and Scotland due to historical events like the Norman Conquest and later migrations.
Today, variations of the name include Kemsley, Kemsey, Kemish, and Camley, among others, and are found predominantly in England, Ireland, and North America.
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
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