What does Kimley mean and where does it come from?
Kimley is often considered a modern variation or a derivative of Kimberly, which has Old English roots. The name Kimberly was originally a name of a place, and it has gained popularity since the 20th century. Kimley has a unique modern flair and might appeal to those looking for an alternative to mo
Cultural significance
Kimley has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variation of the name kimberly, meaning 'from the meadow' or 'clearing.'.
Peak popularity
Reached #4528 in 1961 — currently #1899 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kimley?
Kimley works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kimley Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kimley Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kimley Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kimley Claire
French influence · crisp
Kimley Jane
Literary · strong
Kimley Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kimley right now?
Holding steady — currently #1899 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1899 | 301 | ▲ up 5 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #1904 | 281 | ▲ up 5 · +12% births |
| 2021 | #1909 | 251 | ▲ up 5646 · +4083% births |
| 1970 | #7555 | 6 | ▼ down 2345 · -25% births |
| 1965 | #5210 | 8 | ▲ up 1923 · +60% births |
| 1960 | #7133 | 5 | — |
The story of Kimley
Kimley entered American naming records in 1959 and has been in use for over 65 years. With 102 total births recorded, Kimley remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #7133 in 1960 to #1899 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Kimley in 1961:
Kimley by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1950s | 8 | |
| 1960s ★ | 57 | |
| 1970s | 32 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
💎Kimley has only 102 total recorded births since 1959 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kimley?
What names sound and feel like Kimley?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kimley also consider these
Common questions about the name Kimley
What does the name Kimley mean?
Kimley means "a variation of the name Kimberly, meaning 'from the meadow' or 'clearing.'" — 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 Kimley?
Kimley is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Kimley?
Kimley 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 Kimley?
Kimley is a two-syllable name pronounced K IH1 M L EY1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kimley a common or rare name?
Kimley is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.