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, while not as popular today as it once was, has a rich history of usage in the United States over the past seven decades.
From 1951 to 1974, there were fewer than 80 births with the name Kimber each year. However, starting from 1975, there was a significant increase in popularity, with the number of births exceeding 100 annually until 1986. The highest point during this period was reached in 1987 with 142 births.
From 1987 onwards, the name Kimber experienced a steady decline in popularity, reaching its lowest point in 2023 with only 303 births recorded. Despite this decline, Kimber remains a recognizable and classic name, having been given to over 10,640 babies in total across the United States since 1951.
The data shows that while Kimber may not be as popular today as it once was, its usage has been consistent throughout the decades, with notable peaks in popularity during specific years. This information can be useful for those interested in naming trends and patterns over time.