Kim

♂ Boy

Kim Pronunciation

Kim is pronounced KIM /ˈkɪm/High

Meaning: Variously the Vietnamese kim, 'gold; metal', a Korean family name, and a short form of Kimball ('war chief; bold'); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Gold; metal: Kim is Vietnamese 'gold' / a short Kimball. Crisp, cultural, and warm. Used for both sexes (here for boys; said 'KIM').

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Origin LowVietnamese, English

MeaningVariously the Vietnamese kim, 'gold; metal', a Korean family name, and a short form of Kimball ('war chief; bold'); used for both sexes; here for boys; routes layered

U.S. rank (2024)#6643 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births13 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1955

Total births (all-time)≈ 34,944

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Kim comes variously from the Vietnamese kim, 'gold; metal', the Korean family name Kim, and a short form of Kimball, 'war chief; bold' (routes layered, which we note). Rudyard Kipling's hero Kim bore it for a boy. A crisp, cultural name, used for both sexes, here for boys (slug distinguished).

In the U.S. it appears in Vietnamese, Korean, and English families. Rare for boys, gold-and-metal at the (Vietnamese) root, and cultural.

Did you know? Kim means 'gold; metal' in Vietnamese, is a great Korean family name, and is also a short form of Kimball ('war chief; bold') — a crisp, cultural name, used for both sexes (here for boys; the routes are layered; said 'KIM').

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Kim — routes layered

Variations

KimballKym

Themes & Styles

Uncertain English Unisex Vietnamese

If you like Kim…

Kimball— a name it shortens

Kai— a sound-neighbor short boys' name

Minh— a fellow Vietnamese boys' name

Tim— lands in the same popularity range

Kit— another unisex pick

→ See all names like Kim

Browse the whole category: All Vietnamese names → · All English names → · All origins →

Frequently Asked

How do you pronounce Kim?

Kim is pronounced KIM (/ˈkɪm/). Press play above to hear Kim said aloud.

How do you say Kim?

Kim is said KIM (/ˈkɪm/). Press play above to hear Kim said aloud.

What does the name Kim mean?

Kim is variously Vietnamese 'gold; metal', a Korean family name, and a short form of Kimball; the routes are layered.

Is Kim a boy or girl name?

Kim is used for both sexes; this page covers its use as a boy's name.

How popular is Kim?

Kim is a rare name for boys in the U.S.