Kimberlie

Meaning & origin

Kimberlie is a spelling variant of Kimberly, a name that rose to prominence in the United States during the mid-20th century. First recorded in 1951, Kimberlie peaked in popularity in 1968, during the height of the Kimberly name trend. Since 1986, its usage has been in steady decline, reflecting the overall trajectory of similar feminine names ending in '-ly'. In 2025, the name ranked 13,208, with roughly 1 in 267,878 baby girls receiving this spelling. While its top states are not recorded, the name's roots tie back to Old English place names, conveying a sense of meadowland and fortress. Parents today may choose Kimberlie for its distinct spelling while retaining the familiar sound of the classic Kimberly.

Kimberlie is a variant spelling of Kimberly, which derives from the Old English elements 'cyneburg' (royal, fortified) and 'leah' (wood, clearing, meadow). The name originally referred to a place name, such as Kimberley in Norfolk, England. It gained popularity as a given name in the English-speaking world in the mid-20th century, particularly in the United States, influenced by the gemstone 'kimberlite' and the Kimberley region in South Africa. The spelling Kimberlie emerged as a modern variant, first recorded in the U.S. in 1951.