What does Kimberly mean and where does it come from?
The name Kimberly has Old English roots, deriving from the place name 'Kimberly' in Norfolk, England. The name became popular in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, after it was used in the 1960s, associated with the 'gender-neutral' trend. It has also gained popularity through vari
Cultural significance
Kimberly has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of from the meadow of the royal fortress.
Peak popularity
Reached #2 in 1966 — currently #222 in the US.
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Related Reading
English-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kimberly?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kimberly?
Kimberly works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kimberly Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kimberly Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kimberly Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kimberly Claire
French influence · crisp
Kimberly Jane
Literary · strong
Kimberly Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kimberly right now?
Declining — down 12 spots — currently #222 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #222 | 1,336 | ▼ down 12 · -4% births |
| 2022 | #210 | 1,392 | ▲ up 11 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #221 | 1,350 | ▼ down 36 · -13% births |
| 2020 | #185 | 1,548 | ▼ down 77 · -45% births |
| 2015 | #108 | 2,838 | ▼ down 39 · -27% births |
| 2010 | #69 | 3,869 | ▼ down 6 · -19% births |
| 2005 | #63 | 4,751 | ▼ down 5 · -9% births |
| 2000 | #58 | 5,244 | ▼ down 21 · -32% births |
| 1995 | #37 | 7,745 | ▼ down 6 · -24% births |
| 1990 | #31 | 10,194 | ▼ down 12 · -32% births |
| 1985 | #19 | 14,913 | ▼ down 8 · -19% births |
| 1980 | #11 | 18,500 | ▼ down 4 · -9% births |
| 1975 | #7 | 20,263 | ▼ down 4 · -41% births |
| 1970 | #3 | 34,136 | ▲ up 1 · +18% births |
| 1965 | #4 | 28,830 | — |
The story of Kimberly
Kimberly entered American naming records in 1933 and has been in use for over 91 years. It peaked at #2 in 1966, placing it among the top 10 most popular names. Over 844K babies have been given this name — a true American classic. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3720 in 1935 to #222 in 2023. Kimberly is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kimberly in 1966:
Kimberly by decade
Kimberly peaked in the 1960s. See all 1960s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1930s | 52 | |
| 1940s | 1,284 | |
| 1950s | 50,190 | |
| 1960s ★ | 260,130 | |
| 1970s | 229,966 | |
| 1980s | 147,074 | |
| 1990s | 78,125 | |
| 2000s | 48,589 | |
| 2010s | 27,253 | |
| 2020s | 1,548 | |
What are good nicknames for Kimberly?
ENGLISH
KimKimbraKimmieKimmyKym
ANGLO-SAXON
CynebaldCyneburgaCynemær
What names sound and feel like Kimberly?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kimberly also consider these
How is Kimberly written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Kimberly
What does the name Kimberly mean?
Kimberly means "from the meadow of the Royal Fortress" — 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 Kimberly?
Kimberly is currently ranked #222 in the United States 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 Kimberly?
Kimberly 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.
How do you pronounce the name Kimberly?
Kimberly is a three-syllable name pronounced K IH1 M B ER0 L IY0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Kimberly?
Kimberly 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.