Kimberly Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Kimberly is an Old English name derived from a place name meaning 'royal fortress'. It has evolved through various historical forms and gained popularity in the 20th century. The name reflects traits of strength and elegance, with no biblical relevance. Notable individuals with this name include actresses Kimberly Williams-Paisley and Kimberly Elise.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Kimberly"
Pronunciation
/ˈkɪm.bər.li/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Kimberly is derived from a place name in England, originally from 'Cyneburg's field.' 'Cyneburg' is an Old English name meaning 'royal fortress'.
Meaning
royal fortress
Language Evolution
Cyneburg, Kynberga, Kimberley
Historical Usage
The name gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the United States, influenced by the rise of place names and the feminine ending -ly.
Variants & Derivatives
Kim, Kimi, Kimberley
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Kimberly is perceived as a classic and feminine name, often associated with strength and elegance.
Famous People
Kimberly Williams-Paisley, Kim Kardashian, Kimberly Elise
📊 Kimberly Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Kimberly Name Visualizations
✨ Kimberly Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 34,246 peak births in 1970
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in Delaware
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 12 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Kimberly" - Complete Guide (24 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Kimberly". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 24 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Kimberly" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Kimberly"
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 of "Kimberly"
"Kimberly" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 6076th of 6773 | 10 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 757th of 7552 | 1,795 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 833rd of 10718 | 1,521 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 1631st of 16616 | 752 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6627th of 24088 | 172 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 15888th of 23106 | 23 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 2865th of 9204 | 179 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 49th of 12526 | 149,945 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 4th of 19264 | 406,745 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 23rd of 27321 | 188,470 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 53rd of 35406 | 76,850 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 146th of 30306 | 23,185 |
Regional Popularity of "Kimberly" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
25.86% 576th/2227 |
35.31% 858th/2430 |
33.86% 966th/2853 |
25.55% 709th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
29.35% 862nd/2937 |
25.55% 890th/3483 |
26.38% 928th/3518 |
25.94% 1049th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
44.20% 1978th/4475 |
32.71% 1699th/5194 |
21.36% 1349th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - |
51.89% 3795th/7313 |
51.03% 3808th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Kimberly" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
100.00% 1546th/1546 |
- | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
1.66% 37th/2227 |
3.17% 77th/2430 |
2.03% 58th/2853 |
1.69% 47th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
0.17% 5th/2937 |
0.14% 5th/3483 |
0.06% 2nd/3518 |
0.10% 4th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
0.90% 33rd/3685 |
0.47% 21st/4475 |
0.35% 18th/5194 |
0.38% 24th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
2.84% 130th/4582 |
1.55% 80th/5164 |
0.72% 53rd/7313 |
0.38% 28th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
7.28% 290th/3984 |
4.61% 207th/4487 |
2.07% 141st/6822 |
1.70% 107th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Kimberly"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Kimberly" 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 of "Kimberly" in the United States
The name Kimberly is most popular in Delaware, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been gradually declining. From 2020-2022, Kimberly has been stalled for male in MidWest, stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, falling for female in South, stalled for male in West, too falling for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in MidWest, falling for female in MidWest, stalled for male in Northeast, falling for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, too rising for female in South, stalled for male in West, too rising for female in West. Across generations, 'Kimberly' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 6076th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 757th out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 833rd out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1631st out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6627th out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 15888th out of 23106 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2865th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 49th out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 4th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 23rd out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 53rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 146th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Kimberly' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.