Kemper is a strong and distinctive given name of German origin, meaning 'helmet' or 'war helmet'. It is derived from the Old High German word 'helm', which signifies protection and fortitude. Traditionally, this name was more commonly used as a surname, but in recent years, it has gained traction as a first name for boys.
The name Kemper experienced significant fluctuations in popularity over the past two decades, with a notable spike in recent years. From 1999 to 2012, the number of annual births ranged between 6 and 18, with no clear upward trend. However, starting from 2013, there was a steady increase in the popularity of the name, culminating in a high of 27 births in 2023. Over these two decades, a total of 262 children were named Kemper.