Kimberly
Kimberly first appears in US records in 1933. It peaked in 1970, when 34,130 girls were given the name; in 2025 there were 1,009.
Source: US Social Security Administration.
Is Kimberly popular?
Declining Kimberly is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1970 peak.
| 2020s | 7,936 | |
|---|---|---|
| 2010s | 27,264 | |
| 2000s | 48,494 | |
| 1990s | 77,879 | |
| 1980s | 146,452 | |
| 1970s | 229,097 | |
| 1960s | 259,072 | |
| 1950s | 48,958 | |
| 1940s | 1,189 | |
| 1930s | 52 |
Counts from US Social Security Administration data, 1880–2025.
What does Kimberly mean?
Kimberly began as an English place name and surname — ultimately “Cyneburg’s field,” Cyneburg meaning “royal fortress.” The South African diamond town of Kimberley spread the name, which is now chiefly female in the US.
Nicknames for Kimberly
- Kim
- Kimmy
Variants & spellings
- Kimberley
- Kimberlee
- Kimberleigh
Explore related names
Frequently asked questions
Is Kimberly a boy or a girl name?
Kimberly is most commonly used as a girl name.
Is Kimberly a popular name right now?
Kimberly is given less often than it was a decade ago, well below its 1970 peak.
How popular is the name Kimberly?
In 2025, Kimberly ranked #303 among girls’ names in the United States, according to U.S. Social Security Administration data.
When was the name Kimberly most popular?
Kimberly was most popular in 1970, when about 34,130 US babies were given the name that year, according to US Social Security Administration records.
What are common nicknames for Kimberly?
Common nicknames for Kimberly include Kim, Kimmy.