Kemp

♂ Boy

Pronounced KEMP /ˈkɛmp/High

Meaning: From the English surname Kemp — from Middle English kempe, 'a warrior, a champion; an athlete, a wrestler'Medium

In 30 seconds: A warrior; a champion: Kemp is an English surname — 'a warrior, a champion, an athlete'. Crisp, strong, and warm.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningFrom the English surname Kemp — from Middle English kempe, 'a warrior, a champion; an athlete, a wrestler'

U.S. rank (2025)#4954 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births20 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1957

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,306

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Kemp comes from the English surname Kemp — from Middle English kempe, 'a warrior, a champion; an athlete or wrestler' (a byname for a strong fighter). A crisp, strong, modern surname-name (nickname Kemp).

It registers thinly in records. Rare, a-warrior-and-champion at the root, and strong.

Did you know? Kemp means 'a warrior, a champion; an athlete, a wrestler' (Middle English kempe) — a crisp, strong surname-name (said 'KEMP').

Overall data confidence 62%

References — Kemp — surname etymology

Variations

KempeKemper

Nicknames

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Explore names like Kemp

By themeenglish surname-name

By meaningWarrior

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kemp mean?

Kemp is an English surname, 'a warrior, a champion; an athlete'.

How do you pronounce Kemp?

It's said KEMP /ˈkɛmp/ — one syllable.

Is Kemp a boy or girl name?

Kemp is a boy's name.

How popular is Kemp?

Kemp is a very rare name in the U.S.