Girl · 1137th of 19,264
Kimberli
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
3,932
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1968
Peak Popularity Year
163
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Kimberli stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Kimberli is an English name that originated from the Old English term for a royal fortress. Its meaning is directly tied to this historical context. The name has evolved from Cyninges burh to Kimberly and then to Kimberli, showcasing its linguistic journey. It does not have biblical relevance, but it gained popularity in the late 20th century. Today, Kimberli is regarded as a modern name with a creative image, and notable people bearing this name include Kimberli O'Hara and Kimberli McCullough.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈkɪm.bər.li/
Origin
English
Etymology
The name Kimberli is derived from the Old English place name 'Cyninges burh,' meaning 'royal fortress.' It later evolved into various forms, including Kimberly.
Meaning
royal fortress
Language Evolution
Cyninges burh, Kimberly, Kimberli
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the late 20th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, often associated with the place name in South Africa.
Variants & Derivatives
Kimberly, Kim, Kimi
Modern Popularity & Image
Kimberli is perceived as a modern and unique name, often associated with creativity and individuality.
Famous People
Kimberli O'Hara, American actress, Kimberli McCullough, American actress and director
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 163 peak births in 1968
Geographic Spread
Popular across 26 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
Compare 24 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
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
Full popularity table across American generations 5 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1645th of 12526 | 773 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 1137th of 19264 | 1,692 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 2569th of 27321 | 706 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3672nd of 35406 | 632 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9484th of 30306 | 129 |