What does Kimberley mean and where does it come from?
Kimberley is derived from an English place name, meaning 'the meadow by the royal fortress.' It became popular as a given name in the 20th century, especially in the United Kingdom, Australia, and the United States. The name can be spelled in various ways, including 'Kimberly.' It gained prominence
Cultural significance
Kimberley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.
Peak popularity
Reached #166 in 1967 — currently #5828 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kimberley?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kimberley?
Kimberley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kimberley Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Kimberley Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Kimberley Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Kimberley Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Kimberley Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Kimberley Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Kimberley right now?
Falling — down 741 spots — currently #5828 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #5828 | 21 | ▼ down 741 · -19% births |
| 2024 | #5087 | 26 | ▼ down 3307 · -94% births |
| 2023 | #1780 | 420 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1785 | 400 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1790 | 370 | ▲ up 3512 · +1509% births |
| 2020 | #5302 | 23 | ▼ down 1756 · -48% births |
| 2015 | #3546 | 44 | ▼ down 900 · -35% births |
| 2010 | #2646 | 68 | ▼ down 554 · -24% births |
| 2005 | #2092 | 89 | ▼ down 572 · -26% births |
| 2000 | #1520 | 120 | ▼ down 514 · -35% births |
| 1995 | #1006 | 185 | ▼ down 339 · -43% births |
| 1990 | #667 | 323 | ▼ down 97 · -6% births |
| 1985 | #570 | 344 | ▼ down 171 · -40% births |
| 1980 | #399 | 571 | ▼ down 120 · -35% births |
| 1975 | #279 | 872 | — |
The story of Kimberley
Kimberley entered American naming records in 1941 and has been in use for over 83 years. A total of 38,171 babies have received this name. Once ranked #1199 in 1950, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1780 in 2023. Kimberley is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kimberley in 1967:
Kimberley by decade
Kimberley peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1940s | 197 | |
| 1950s | 4,212 | |
| 1960s ★ | 16,344 | |
| 1970s | 10,141 | |
| 1980s | 3,788 | |
| 1990s | 2,083 | |
| 2000s | 906 | |
| 2010s | 477 | |
| 2020s | 70 | |
What are good nicknames for Kimberley?
ENGLISH
KimKimbraKimmieKimmyKym
ANGLO-SAXON
CynebaldCyneburgaCynemær
What names sound and feel like Kimberley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kimberley also consider these
How is Kimberley written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Kimberley
What does the name Kimberley mean?
Kimberley means "English" — a name rooted in English 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 Kimberley?
Kimberley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Kimberley?
Kimberley originates from English tradition. English names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
What sibling names go well with Kimberley?
Kimberley pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.
Is Kimberley a common or rare name?
Kimberley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.