Kimberley is a name of English origin, derived from the gemstone of the same name. It means "from the dark land" or "rhyolite," referencing the red semi-precious stone found in kimberlite rocks. The name Kimberley gained popularity in the mid-20th century, experiencing a surge in usage during the 1970s and 1980s before tapering off in recent years.
The spelling Kimberley is more common than its variant Kimberly, though both are widely recognized and used interchangeably. The name has been popular among notable figures such as Kimberley Guilfoyle, a political consultant and commentator, and Kimberley Williams-Paisley, an American actress known for her role in the "Father of the Bride" films.
Kimberley is also associated with place names, including the South African city founded by Cecil Rhodes during the diamond rush in 1871. The city's name has contributed to the gemstone's popularity as a girl's name, further solidifying its connection to the name Kimberley.
The name Kimberely experienced a significant peak in popularity during the late 1960s to early 1970s, with a high of 126 births recorded in 1970. However, its usage has declined dramatically since then, with fewer than 25 births per year occurring from 1983 onwards and reaching as low as 5 births in certain years between 1995 and 2006.