Girl · 4th of 19,264
Kimberly
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
849,647
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1970
Peak Popularity Year
34,246
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Kimberly stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
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 Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
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
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Declining
25-Year Trend:
Gradually Declining
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
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
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 12 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |