A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Kemp since 1898
Babies named Kemp per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1957, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Kemp's real moment was 1898.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 96 |
| 1920s | 104 |
| 1930s | 96 |
| 1940s | 109 |
| 1950s | 180 |
| 1960s | 192 |
| 1970s | 103 |
| 1980s | 72 |
| 1990s | 89 |
| 2000s | 82 |
| 2010s | 109 |
| 2020s | 69 |
Meaning & origin
Kemp is a rare given name with a long history as an English surname. First recorded in 1898, it peaked that same year but then fell out of common use. However, since 2009 it has been rising again, though it remains uncommon, with a 2025 rank of 4,857 and an incidence of 1 in 85,404. Its revival may reflect a modern interest in short, surname-style names with a sturdy, old-fashioned feel. Kemp has not been recorded in any U.S. top states, underscoring its niche appeal.
Kemp is thought to originate either as a short form of names like Kemper or Kempster, or from the Old English word 'cempa' meaning 'warrior' or 'champion'. It was historically used as a surname, particularly in England and Scotland, before becoming a rare given name in the late 19th century.
Sibling names for Kemp
Names that share Kemp's style, for a brother or sister.
