All about the name KIM

Meaning, origin, history.

The name Kim is of Korean origin and has a rich history and meaning behind it. In Korean culture, names are often made up of two characters, each carrying its own significance. The character "Kim" (金) is one of the most common family names in Korea, with a long and illustrious history dating back to ancient times.

The character Kim means "gold," symbolizing wealth, prosperity, and nobility. It is believed that this name was first used by the Hwarang, a prestigious order of young nobles and warriors in the ancient Korean kingdom of Silla. The Hwarang were known for their bravery, intelligence, and noble conduct, and bearing the family name Kim was considered an honor.

Over time, the Kim surname has been associated with many notable figures in Korean history, including kings, generals, scholars, and artists. Today, it remains one of the most popular surnames in Korea, with people named Kim playing significant roles in various fields both within Korea and around the world.

The name Kim is also used as a given name, often for girls but occasionally for boys as well. As a given name, Kim has gained international popularity due to its simplicity, uniqueness, and strong historical significance. It is seen as a powerful and elegant choice, carrying with it the richness of Korean culture and history. However, regardless of whether it is used as a surname or given name, the name Kim remains deeply rooted in Korean tradition and carries with it a sense of pride, honor, and strength.

See also

Korean

Popularity of the name KIM since 1880.

Number of births per year since 1880.

The name Kim has a rich history in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over time as shown by these statistics of annual births from 1914 to 2023.

From 1914 to 1925, the name Kim was not particularly common, with fewer than ten births per year. However, starting in 1927, its popularity began to rise gradually, reaching a milestone of 34 births in 1938.

The years between 1942 and 1946 saw a significant increase in the number of babies named Kim, with over 100 births each year. This trend continued throughout the 1950s, reaching an all-time high of 12,475 births in 1960.

Despite a gradual decline in popularity starting from the late 1960s, the name Kim remained relatively common for several decades, with hundreds of babies being named Kim each year until the mid-1980s. Between 1987 and 2003, there were fewer than 500 births per year on average.

In recent years, the name Kim has become less popular, with around 40 to 60 births occurring annually from 2004 to 2023. Despite this decrease in popularity, the name Kim still holds historical significance and continues to be chosen by parents for their children today.

Overall, these statistics demonstrate that while the name Kim has experienced periods of high and low popularity throughout its history in the United States, it remains a timeless choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name for their child.

Name variation KIM.