What does Kim mean and where does it come from?
Kim (김) is a common Korean surname and also used as a given name. As a surname, it is the most common in Korea. The meaning varies depending on the hanja characters used, with '金' meaning 'gold' being one of the most prevalent. The name has become popular internationally, especially in the United St
Cultural significance
Kim has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Korea-speaking communities, where it reflects values of gold.
Peak popularity
Reached #34 in 1960 — currently #3939 in the US.
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Related Reading
Korea-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kim?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kim?
Kim works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kim Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kim Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kim Claire
French influence · crisp
Kim Jane
Literary · strong
Kim Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kim right now?
Falling — down 143 spots — currently #3939 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #3939 | 38 | ▼ down 143 · -5% births |
| 2022 | #3796 | 40 | ▲ up 47 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #3843 | 39 | ▼ down 23 · +5% births |
| 2020 | #3820 | 37 | ▼ down 1319 · -49% births |
| 2015 | #2501 | 72 | ▲ up 664 · +38% births |
| 2010 | #3165 | 52 | ▼ down 753 · -29% births |
| 2005 | #2412 | 73 | ▼ down 868 · -37% births |
| 2000 | #1544 | 116 | ▼ down 289 · -14% births |
| 1995 | #1255 | 135 | ▼ down 471 · -47% births |
| 1990 | #784 | 257 | ▼ down 219 · -26% births |
| 1985 | #565 | 348 | ▼ down 181 · -42% births |
| 1980 | #384 | 601 | ▼ down 206 · -59% births |
| 1975 | #178 | 1,480 | ▼ down 100 · -69% births |
| 1970 | #78 | 4,728 | ▼ down 35 · -53% births |
| 1965 | #43 | 10,082 | — |
The story of Kim
Kim entered American naming records in 1914 and has been in use for over 110 years. Its peak popularity was #34 in 1960. More than 214,516 babies have been named Kim since 1914. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #5267 in 1920 to #3939 in 2023. Kim is used for both genders: 84% female and 16% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kim in 1960:
Kim by decade
Kim peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 27 | |
| 1920s | 123 | |
| 1930s | 519 | |
| 1940s | 4,006 | |
| 1950s | 77,277 | |
| 1960s ★ | 101,571 | |
| 1970s | 22,514 | |
| 1980s | 4,722 | |
| 1990s | 2,007 | |
| 2000s | 1,025 | |
| 2010s | 678 | |
| 2020s | 47 | |
What are good nicknames for Kim?
What names sound and feel like Kim?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kim also consider these
Common questions about the name Kim
What does the name Kim mean?
Kim means "gold" — a name rooted in Korea 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 Kim?
Kim 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 Kim?
Kim originates from Korea tradition. Korea 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 Kim?
Kim is a one-syllable name pronounced K IH1 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
How does Kim sound with different last names?
As a one-syllable name, Kim flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Kim ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.