Kimberly is a feminine given name of American origin. It was created by combining the elements "Kim" and "Berry," which are derived from the male name Kimber, meaning "from the woods." The name Kimberly gained popularity in the United States during the mid-20th century, with its peak usage being in the 1960s and 1970s. Today, it remains a popular choice for parents seeking a classic yet distinctive name for their daughters.
The name Kimberly is often associated with the city of Kimberley in South Africa, which was named after the kimberlite rock that was discovered there. However, the origin of the name Kimberly as a given name predates this association and is purely coincidental.
Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kimberly. For instance, Kimberly Guilfoyle, an American television news personality and former first lady of San Francisco, is named Kimberly Ann Guilfoyle. Additionally, Kimberly "Kim" Clijsters, a Belgian professional tennis player, is known by her given name.
In popular culture, the name Kimberly has been used in various forms of media. For example, it is the name of the protagonist in the animated film "The Land Before Time," and it was also used as a character name in the television series "Glee." Overall, the name Kimberly has a rich history and continues to be widely recognized and appreciated around the world.
The name Kimberly experienced a significant rise in popularity from the late 1940s to its peak in the mid-1970s, with over 30,000 births annually between 1962 and 1971. However, it has since declined steadily, reaching fewer than 2,000 births per year after 2008. As of 2023, the total number of births registered with the name Kimberly stands at over 844,000.