Kimber is a name of English origin that has gained popularity in recent years. It is considered a variant spelling of the name Kimberly, which is itself derived from the male name Cymbeline, a character in Shakespeare's play "The Winter's Tale". The name Cymbeline is believed to have been inspired by the ancient British king Cunobeline.
The meaning of Kimber/Kimberly is generally associated with the name Cymbeline, which means "in front of the castle" or " chief of the castle". However, some sources suggest that it could also mean "from the dark forest" or "of the dark forest".
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures who have carried the name Kimber/Kimberly. One of the most famous is American actress and beauty queen, Kim Basinger, born Kimila Ann Basinger in 1953. Another well-known figure is British actress, Kimberley Nixon, born in 1986.
While Kimber/Kimberly has traditionally been considered a female name, it can also be used as a male name. The name is often shortened to Kim for both boys and girls, which has contributed to its unisex appeal.
In terms of popularity, Kimber/Kimberly peaked in the late 1980s and early 1990s, with Kimber ranking #576 in popularity in the United States during the year 2000. However, both names have since seen a decline in popularity, with Kimber dropping out of the top 1000 names for girls in recent years.
Overall, Kimber/Kimberly is a name that combines elements of history and modernity, offering parents a unique option for their child's name while still maintaining a familiar ring.
The name Kimber experienced a notable rise and fall in popularity over the years, with peaks in recent decades. The highest number of babies named Kimber occurred in 2018 and 2019, with 508 births each year. This marks a significant increase from the earlier peak of 344 births in 2012. However, there has been a steady decline since then, reaching a recent low of 303 births in 2023. Overall, Kimber has seen a total of 10640 births since 1951.