Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kimberlee is an English name that means 'royal fortress', stemming from the Old English 'cyneburh'. It has evolved from historical forms like Cyneburh and Kimberley. The name is associated with modern trends of using place names as personal names and has gained popularity in the mid to late 20th century. It carries a contemporary image of uniqueness and is often shortened to variants such as Kim or Kimmie. There is no significant biblical relevance tied to this name.
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɪmbərli/
Origin
English
Etymology
Kimberlee is a modern variation of the name Kimberley, which is derived from a place name in England. The place name itself originates from the Old English elements 'cyne' meaning 'royal' and 'burh' meaning 'fortress' or 'town'.
Meaning
royal fortress
Language Evolution
Cyneburh (Old English), Kimberley (Middle English), Kimberlee (Modern English)
Historical Usage
Kimberlee gained popularity as a feminine given name in the United States during the mid to late 20th century, influenced by the trend of using place names as personal names.
Variants & Derivatives
Kimberly, Kim, Kimmie
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kimberlee is perceived as a trendy and modern name, often associated with a sense of uniqueness and individuality. It is less common than its variant Kimberly.
Famous People
Kimberlee Davis (American singer), Kimberlee McCullough (American actress)
📊 Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Moderately Popular name with 576 peak births in 1970
Geographic Spread
Popular across 48 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 5 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Alternative Spellings & Similar Sounds (24 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 24 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 606th of 12526 | 4,493 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 470th of 19264 | 6,967 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 746th of 27321 | 4,145 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 1957th of 35406 | 1,575 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 3795th of 30306 | 481 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
22.23% 495th/2227 |
24.49% 595th/2430 |
31.48% 898th/2853 |
17.08% 474th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
15.36% 451st/2937 |
13.92% 485th/3483 |
18.14% 638th/3518 |
8.65% 350th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
22.04% 812th/3685 |
16.58% 742nd/4475 |
17.77% 923rd/5194 |
9.83% 621st/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
51.24% 2348th/4582 |
46.30% 2391st/5164 |
26.43% 1933rd/7313 |
26.84% 2003rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
100.00% 3984th/3984 |
- |
50.06% 3415th/6822 |
69.36% 4353rd/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in Utah across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, usage has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 606th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 470th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 746th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 1957th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 3795th out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.