Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Kimberly
GirlOld English, English· “from an English place name”
- Meaning
- from an English place name
- Origin
- Old English, English
- Pronunciation
- KIHM-bur-lee
- Syllables
- 3
- US rank 2025
- #303
- US babies 2025
- 1,009
- Best rank
- #2 (1966)
- Peak year
- 1970
Meaning and origin of Kimberly
Kimberly is an Old English and English name that is usually said to mean “from an English place name”.
Kimberly comes from an English place name, usually explained as "Cyneburg's clearing", from an Old English personal name and leah, "woodland clearing". The town of Kimberley in South Africa, famous for its diamond mines, was named after Lord Kimberley, a British colonial secretary, and that fame helped popularize the name. It was first used mainly for boys before becoming overwhelmingly feminine in the United States in the mid twentieth century. Kimberly has a bright, familiar sound and a classic mid-century feel. Kim and Kimmy are well-known nicknames, and the name remains easy to pronounce and spell.
Other spellings with the same sound: Kimberley.
Popularity over time
Kimberly first appears in US Social Security records in 1933. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 80 different years, starting in 1946. Its best national rank was #2 in 1966, and the most babies received it in 1970, when 34,130 were named Kimberly. In 2025, 1,009 babies were named Kimberly, and it ranked #303 nationally. That is 64% fewer than ten years earlier, so it is becoming less common.
Its national rank moved from #382 in 1950, #11 in 1980, #58 in 2000, #69 in 2010, and #303 in 2025. Of the 846,393 US girls named Kimberly since records began, 31% were born in the 1960s, its biggest decade. The 1970s come next, with 229,097 babies. Since 2010, 35,200 more have been named Kimberly.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Michelle, Angela, and Dawn.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kimberly ranked highest in Texas, Florida, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | #185 | 178 |
| Florida | #190 | 97 |
| Maryland | #192 | 27 |
| Rhode Island | #202 | 5 |
| Alabama | #207 | 22 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Kimberly is usually pronounced KIHM-bur-lee, with three syllables. It has eight letters, starts with K and ends in “-ly”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Kimberley.
Middle names for Kimberly
A few middle names that flow with Kimberly: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kimberly
Similar names
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Lists that include Kimberly
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kimberly mean?
Kimberly is an Old English and English name that is usually said to mean “from an English place name”.
What is the origin of the name Kimberly?
Kimberly has Old English and English roots. Kimberly comes from an English place name, usually explained as "Cyneburg's clearing", from an Old English personal name and leah, "woodland clearing".
Is Kimberly a popular name?
Yes. Kimberly ranked #303 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kimberly a boy or girl name?
Kimberly is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Kimberly?
Kimberly is usually pronounced KIHM-bur-lee. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings