Declining since 1985, #302 for girls today.
Popularity of Kimberly since 1933
Babies named Kimberly per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1930s | 52 |
| 1940s | 1,189 |
| 1950s | 48,958 |
| 1960s | 259,072 |
| 1970s | 229,097 |
| 1980s | 146,452 |
| 1990s | 77,879 |
| 2000s | 48,494 |
| 2010s | 27,264 |
| 2020s | 7,936 |
Meaning & origin
Kimberly emerged as a feminine given name in the United States in the early 20th century, first appearing in the Social Security records in 1933. It rose steadily in usage, entering the top 1,000 names by the 1940s and breaking into the top 100 in the late 1950s. The name reached its peak of popularity in 1967, when it was the 2nd most popular name for baby girls in the country. After that zenith, Kimberly began a slow decline, remaining in the top 10 throughout the 1970s and top 50 through the 1990s. Its trajectory has been falling since 1985, yet it remains a recognizable and steady choice, currently ranked 302nd as of 2025 with about 1 in 1,593 baby girls receiving the name. The name has been most popular in states such as Rhode Island, Mississippi, and Maryland. While it has faded from its mid-century heights, Kimberly retains a classic, approachable quality, sustained by its familiar nickname Kim.
Kimberly originated as a place name and surname, taken from the city of Kimberley in South Africa. The city was named after Lord Kimberley, whose title derives from a place name in Norfolk, England, meaning 'Cyneburg's clearing' in Old English. The name began to be used as a feminine given name in the United States in the early 20th century, gaining widespread popularity by the mid-20th century. It is considered a transferred use of the surname, following the trend of using surnames as first names.
Where Kimberly is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kimberly” around the world
Where Kimberly lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
10
babies in 2024
Ireland
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kim, Kimmy, Kimmie, Kimber
Sibling names for Kimberly
Names that share Kimberly's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Stephanie, Jennifer, Melissa, Amanda, Christina, Candice, Lori, Pamela, Tammy, Tracy, Brandie, Christi, Jacklyn, Jennyfer, Kandis, Lesli, Milissa, Stefanie, Tiffani, Traci, Jacalyn, Jackelyn, Jaclynn, Jacqulyn, Jennell, Jenniffer, Joscelyn, Kristel, Leighann, Leslee, Lezlie, Malorie, Melannie, Randee, Shaunda, Crystalyn, Dawnielle, Derika, Gennifer, Jacilyn, Jennifier, Jennipher, Krystine, Leaann, Lezlee, Marily, Mylissa, Sharissa, Shelle, Sherrilyn, Shronda, Stacye, Stephaney, Stepheny, Stephnie, Terriann, Tifany, Tondra, Yosselin, Carrianne, Carrieanne, Cherylynn, Christol, Chrystie, Crystalynn, Hillari, Jackilyn, Jacklynn, Jenefer, Jenniefer, Kandyce, Kimbella, Kimra, Lesle, Lezley, Lezli, Maryfer, Millisa, Robbyn, Robynne, Rockell, Sharnette, Sherlynn, Stehanie, Teffany, Valori, Jacyln, Jeanee, Jenafer, Ashlley, Cherissa, Jacalynn, Jaclyne, Jaclynne, Jacqulynn, Jeffifer, Jennfer, Jinnifer, Khristi, Kimberla, Kimley, Kimmarie, Krystale, Loribeth, Monserath, Pamelyn, Rhondalyn, Sharilynn, Sharnee, Shaunette, Shewanda, Stepheni, Tamberly, Tamilyn, Tammatha, Tephanie, Tiffine, Tiffony, Tifini, Trachelle
Brothers: Christopher, Matthew, Joshua, Andrew, Brian, Darrin, Dwayne, Terrance, Darin, Jarrod, Marty, Chadd, Terrill, Timmothy, Bradd, Donyell, Jeffory, Jeffrie, Jeffre, Rondey, Yovany, Bradrick, Deny, Hilery, Jerame, Kimothy
Names like Kimberly
Names whose popularity has moved with Kimberly's over the last 50 years.
