Kimberly

The Meaning & Origin of the Name Kimberly

Gender Unisex
Origin English
Letters 8
Syllables 3
Pronunciation kim-ber-lee

Kimberly, which has 8 letters and 3 syllables, is a unisex name of English origin.

Meaning of Kimberly

Ruler

Kimberly is an English unisex name derived from the Old English Cyneburg, meaning “royal fortress meadow”. It is also said to mean “from the royal fortress meadow” or “royal protector”.

Save
Rate:
Be the first to rate!
Meaning Ruler
Origin English
Gender Unisex
Rarity (US) Rare (Not in top 1000)

Background & History of The Name Kimberly

The name Kimberly is of English origin and is commonly used as a feminine given name. It is derived from the Old English word "Cyneburg" which means "royal fortress" or "royal town". The name gained popularity in the mid-20th century and has remained a popular choice for parents ever since.

Kimberly has several variations and nicknames, including Kim, Kimmy, Kimmie, and Kimb. It has also been used as a surname in some cases. The popularity of the name can be attributed to its soft and melodic sound. It has a timeless and classic appeal that parents find endearing.

Those named Kimberly are often described as strong, confident, and ambitious individuals. They are known for their leadership qualities and have a natural ability to inspire and motivate others. They possess a strong sense of responsibility and are often seen as reliable and trustworthy individuals.

In terms of cultural references, the name Kimberly gained significant attention with the release of the novel and subsequent film adaptation "A Little Princess" by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The main character, Sara Crewe, befriends a girl named Ermengarde St. Johns, whose middle name is Kimberly. This further popularized the name and increased its usage among parents.

Overall, the name Kimberly has a rich history and continues to be a favored choice among parents worldwide. Its royal connotation, along with its soft and melodic sound, adds to its timeless appeal. Whether it is due to personal preference or cultural references, Kimberly remains a popular choice for parents seeking a strong and feminine name for their children.

Check Initials

See what initials Kimberly would create with your last name.

Nicknames

Common nicknames and short forms for Kimberly.

Save This Name

Create an account to save names to your lists and share with your partner.

Create Free Account

Partner Matching

Rate names with your partner and find the ones you both love.

Learn More

Sibling Matcher

Find names that pair well with your existing children's names.

Find Sibling Names