Kimberly is a popular name that has been used for both boys and girls for decades. The name has a rich history and interesting meaning that makes it a great choice for parents looking for a unique name for their child. In this article, we will explore the origin and meaning of the name Kimberly, as well as its popularity and variations.
The name Kimberly has its roots in the English language and is believed to have originated from the Old English word “cyneburg,” which means “royal fortress.” The name was first used as a surname and later became a popular given name for both boys and girls. Today, the name Kimberly is often associated with strength, beauty, and resilience.
Despite being a gender-neutral name, Kimberly has become more popular as a feminine name in the United States. It has been a top 500 name for girls since the 1940s and reached its peak popularity in the 1980s. However, the name is still used for boys in some parts of the world. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning and variations of the name Kimberly, as well as explore some famous people who bear the name.
Key Takeaways
- Kimberly is a popular name that has been used for both boys and girls for decades.
- The name has its roots in the English language and means “royal fortress.”
- Kimberly has become more popular as a feminine name in the United States and has been a top 500 name for girls since the 1940s.
Origin of the Name Kimberly
Kimberly is a feminine given name that originated in England. The name is a combination of two Old English words, “cyneburg” and “leah”, which means “royal fortress meadow” or “woodland clearing of the royal fortress.”
The name first appeared in the United States in the late 19th century and quickly gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s. It was a top 10 name for girls in the US during the 1970s and 1980s.
The name was originally used as a surname in England, and it was also a place name. The first recorded use of the name as a given name was in the 1940s. The popularity of the name can be attributed to the American actress, Kimberly Williams-Paisley, who rose to fame in the 1990s.
Today, the name Kimberly is still a popular choice for baby girls in the United States. It is also used in other English-speaking countries, such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.
Overall, the name Kimberly has a rich history and a strong meaning that continues to be popular among parents today.
Meaning of Kimberly
Kimberly is a name of English origin that is believed to mean “woodland clearing of the royal fortress”. It is a gender-neutral or unisex name, although it has been more popular as a feminine name in the United States.
The name Kimberly has a long history and has been in use for several centuries. It was first recorded as a surname in the 12th century and later became a given name in the 1940s. The name gained popularity in the 1960s and 1970s and has remained a popular choice for parents ever since.
The meaning of the name Kimberly is associated with nature, as it is believed to refer to a clearing in the forest near a royal fortress. The name has a pleasant and peaceful connotation, making it a popular choice for parents who want a name that reflects their love for nature.
Overall, the name Kimberly has a positive and friendly connotation, making it a popular choice for parents who want a name that is both meaningful and attractive.
Popularity of the Name Kimberly
Kimberly is a popular name that has been used for baby girls for many years. Let’s take a closer look at its popularity in the United States and around the world.
Kimberly in the United States
Kimberly has been one of the top 1,000 baby names in the United States since 1946, according to the Social Security Administration. It reached the peak of its popularity between 1964 and 1977, when it was consistently in the top 10 names for baby girls. In 1966 and 1967, it was the second most popular name for girls in the country.
The popularity of the name Kimberly has declined somewhat in recent years, but it still remains a popular choice for parents. As of 2020, it ranks at number 185 on the list of most popular baby names for girls in the United States.
Kimberly Around the World
Kimberly is not just popular in the United States – it is also a well-known name in other parts of the world. In Australia, it was the 55th most popular name for baby girls in 2020. In Canada, it was the 103rd most popular name for baby girls in 2019.
In England and Wales, the name Kimberly has not been as popular in recent years. It was ranked 1,111th in 2020, with only 18 babies given the name. However, it remains a well-known name that is recognized by many people.
Overall, the name Kimberly has had a long and successful run as a popular name for baby girls. While its popularity has declined somewhat in recent years, it is still a well-known and widely-used name that is recognized around the world.
Famous People Named Kimberly
Kimberly is a popular name that has been given to many famous people throughout history. Here are some notable examples:
- Kimberly Williams-Paisley: An American actress best known for her roles in “Father of the Bride” and “According to Jim.”
- Kimberly Guilfoyle: An American attorney and television news personality who has worked for Fox News and was a former co-host of “The Five.”
- Kimberly Elise: An American film and television actress who has appeared in movies such as “Set It Off” and “John Q.”
- Kimberly Clark: The founder of the Kimberly-Clark Corporation, a multinational personal care company that produces products such as Kleenex and Huggies.
- Kimberly Wyatt: An American singer, dancer, and television personality who was a member of the Pussycat Dolls.
These are just a few examples of the many successful and influential people who have been given the name Kimberly. It is clear that this name has been associated with talent, creativity, and success in various fields.
Overall, the name Kimberly has a rich history and continues to be a popular choice for parents today. Whether you are a fan of the name or simply curious about its meaning and origins, there is no denying that it has had a significant impact on our culture and society.
Variations of the Name Kimberly
Kimberly is a popular name that has a variety of different variations. Some of these variations include:
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Kimberley: This is a common spelling variation of the name Kimberly. It is used for both males and females.
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Kimberlee: This is a feminine variant of the name Kimberly. It is a popular spelling variation in the United States.
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Kimberleigh: This is another feminine variant of the name Kimberly. It is less common than Kimberlee but still used by some parents.
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Kimberli: This is a less common spelling variation of the name Kimberly. It is mostly used in the United States.
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Kymberly: This is a unique spelling variation of the name Kimberly. It is not as common as the other variations but still used by some parents.
The name Kimberly has also been used as a surname in some cases. Some notable people with the last name Kimberly include American author and journalist, Wallace Bruce Kimberly, and American football player, John Kimberly.
Overall, the variations of the name Kimberly provide parents with a range of options when choosing a name for their child.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kimberly is a beautiful name with a rich history and meaning. It has origins in Old English and is derived from the combination of the names Kim and Berly. The name has several meanings, including “from the city of Kimberley” and “royal fortress meadow.”
Kimberly is a popular name for baby girls and has been consistently ranked in the top 500 names in the United States. It is a versatile name that can be paired with a variety of middle names and nicknames.
Overall, Kimberly is a name that exudes strength and beauty. It is a great choice for parents who want to give their daughter a name with a rich history and meaning. Whether you choose to spell it with an “e” or a “y,” the name Kimberly is sure to make a lasting impression.