Kemper

“field” — Associated with farming or rural life

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 88% boys♀ 12% girls

#3591US 2023

32Births / yr

↑Rising

1.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 199900

How to pronounce Kemper

KEMP·er

/ˈkɛmp.ɝ/ · stress on KEMP · 2 syllables

“field”

Associated with farming or rural life · American origin

What does Kemper mean and where does it come from?

Kemper is derived from the Old High German term 'kamba', meaning 'field', and is often associated with farming or rural life. The use of Kemper as a first name is more contemporary and less common, with its roots primarily seen in surname usage. It has been noted in various areas of the United State

Cultural significance

Kemper has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #5643 in 2014 — currently #3591 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Kemper?

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

Kemper Grace

How popular is Kemper right now?

Rising fast — up 234 spots — currently #3591 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 2005–2023#3591 · Top 2.6%

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#3591	32	▲ up 234 · +10% births
2022	#3825	29	▲ up 1032 · +45% births
2021	#4857	20	▲ up 2655 · +43% births
2020	#7512	14	▲ up 2010 · +27% births
2015	#9522	11	▲ up 4007 · +57% births
2010	#13529	7	▲ up 3075 · +40% births
2005	#16604	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Kemper

Best Year2023Rank #3591

Peak Count32

Average Rank#8491

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range2005 - 20237 years

The story of Kemper

Kemper is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1999. With 1,674 total births recorded, Kemper remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #16604 in 2005 to #3591 in 2023. Kemper is used for both genders: 12% female and 88% male.

Names that peaked alongside Kemper in 2014:

Emma Olivia Sophia Isabella Ava

Kemper by decade

Kemper peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	63
1920s	76
1930s	42
1940s	78
1950s	74
1960s	81
1970s	56
1980s	51
1990s	105
2000s	421
2010s ★	587
2020s	40

💎With 1,674 total births, Kemper is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Kemper?

Common

KemKeEmper

What names sound and feel like Kemper?

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

Kember

American · English

Keeper

English · guardian, protector, or

Keyler

American · A beloved name

Kenner

American · bold, brave

Keyner

American · Keeper of the

Keyser

American · Dutch

Kesler

American · A surname derived

Kemery

American · A made-up variation

Common questions about the name Kemper

What does the name Kemper mean?

Kemper means "English" — 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 Kemper?

Kemper is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kemper have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Kemper?

Kemper 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.

How do you pronounce the name Kemper?

Kemper is a two-syllable name pronounced K EH1 M P ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Kemper trending right now?

Kemper is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.