Surname Kingrey - Meaning and Origin

Kingrey: What does the surname Kingrey mean?

The surname Kingrey is of English origin and is believed to be a variant of the name Kingery. It is a patronymic name, derived from the personal name King, which represents a nickname from the Old English term "cyning," meaning king. It was usually given to someone who conducted themselves in a kingly manner, or who had played the king's role in a medieval pageant. The 'rey' or 'ery' suffix is commonly seen in English surnames and suggests the son of or descendant of. So, Kingrey could mean "son or descendant of the king". It is also possible that it represents an anglicized form of some originally different continental European surname, possibly German. As with many surnames, exact origins can be challenging to determine due to centuries of migration and cultural blending.

Kingrey: Where does the name Kingrey come from?

The surname Kingrey is derived from the old English terms "cyning" meaning "king" and "raege" meaning "roe deer". It's an occupational name for someone who worked for royalty or metaphorically given to someone considered the king of roe deer for their hunting prowess.

Analyzing various databases shows that the last name Kingrey is not a very common surname, and the overall global distribution is rather limited. It is most prevalent in the United States, primarily in the Midwest and Southern states. Kentucky, for instance, has a significant number of Kingreys.

Despite the concentration in the United States, Kingrey is not among the most common surnames, being ranked beyond the 100,000 mark in terms of prevalence. Hence, while it might be familiar in some local contexts, it's not a commonly recognized name on a broader scale. Outside of the United States, the spread of the surname is negligible, with only a few individuals in Canada, Australia, and Europe. The name's origins and its current distribution suggest it to be of Anglo-Saxon lineage, predominantly retained in English-speaking regions.

Variations of the surname Kingrey

The surname Kingrey is not very common and appears to be of American origin, possibly a variant of the surname "King". Many surnames have varied spellings over centuries due to reasons like transcription errors, migration, dialect, and others. Therefore, the exact lineage tracing might be challenging.

For Kingrey, potential variants include Kingery, Kingray, Kingre, Kinngrey, and Kingreye. Some variations may exist due to phonetic spelling or even clerical errors in transcription of the name. It’s also quite possible that the surname Kingrey was Anglicized, changed for ease of pronunciation or assimilation due to migration. Since "King" is a common root, the surname could also be related to Kinsey, Kingsley, Kingston, or other names which include the "King" element.

However, the best way to find out about variations or related surnames is through comprehensive genealogical research, as it can reflect specific family histories, migration paths and personal choices that might have influenced spelling.

Famous people with the name Kingrey

• Vincent Kingrey: American actor who has appeared in movies and television shows like: Twister, High Fidelity, and That 70s Show.
• Rob Kingrey: American television and film director who has directed the shows Flashforward, Why Women Kill, and Criminal Minds.
• Kat Kingrey: American actress who appeared in Glee, Orange is the New Black, and Lucifer.
• Terrence Kingrey: American film and television actor who appeared in The Mick, How I Met Your Mother, and Layer Cake.
• Ryan Kingrey: American actor who has appeared in movies and television shows such as Ugly Betty, House M.D., and Law & Order.
• Mark Kingrey: American film and television producer who executive produced the shows Charmed, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and Castle.
• Gary Kingrey: American actor who has appeared in film and television shows such as Stranger Things, The Originals, and Quantico.
• Chris Kingrey: American television actor and comedian who is best known for his work on the show Reno 911!.
• Will Kingrey: Former NFL quarterback who had a successful career with the San Diego Chargers.
• Indra Kingrey: American singer-songwriter who has released several solo albums and has written songs for artists like Diddy, John Legend, and Justin Bieber.

Other surnames

KingreeKingry