Kimberly
Cyneburg's meadow — a girl name of English origin
Popularity of Kimberly in the United States
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Meaning & Origin of Kimberly
Kimberly derives from an English place name meaning "Cyneburg's meadow," combining the Old English personal name Cyneburg (meaning "royal fortress") with "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing." The name gained modern prominence through its association with Kimberley in South Africa, a diamond-mining city named after Lord Kimberley, the British Secretary of State for the Colonies. The South African connection and the glamour of diamonds helped propel Kimberly as a girl name during the 1960s and 1970s, when it became one of the most popular names in the United States. It peaked at number two in 1966 and remains well-recognized today.
Kimberly Around the World
Kimberly is used in 3 languages worldwide, with 6+ international variants.
TypeUnisex name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
Nicknames for Kimberly
Famous People Named Kimberly
- Kim Kardashian — American media personality (born Kimberly)
- Kim Basinger — American actress
- Kimberley Walsh — British singer (Girls Aloud)
Similar Names to Kimberly
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Sibling Name Ideas for Kimberly
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Kimberly mean?
Kimberly is a girl name of English origin meaning "Cyneburg's meadow." Kimberly derives from an English place name meaning "Cyneburg's meadow," combining the Old English personal name Cyneburg (meaning "royal fortress") with "leah" meaning "meadow" or "clearing." The name gained modern prominence through its association with Kimberley in South Africa, a diamond-mining city named after Lord Kimberley, the British Secretary of State for the Colonies.
How do you pronounce Kimberly?
Kimberly is pronounced KIM-ber-lee. Common variations include Kimberley, Kymberley, Kimberlee.
Is Kimberly a girl name?
Yes, Kimberly is traditionally a girl name. Popular nicknames include Kim, Kimmy, Kimmie, Ber.
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