Kim

♀ Girl

Pronounced KIM /ˈkɪm/High

Meaning: Short form of Kimberly — from an English place-name, 'Cyneburg's field/fortress meadow' ('royal fortress'); here for girlsMedium

In 30 seconds: Crisp and classic: Kim shortens Kimberly — 'royal fortress meadow'. Friendly, retro, and warm.

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Origin MediumEnglish

MeaningShort form of Kimberly — from an English place-name, 'Cyneburg's field/fortress meadow' ('royal fortress'); here for girls

U.S. rank (2025)#4228 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births34 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1960

Total births (all-time)≈ 179,781

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

Kim is a short form of Kimberly — from an English place-name, 'Cyneburg's field' or 'royal fortress meadow' (Old English). A crisp, friendly, retro nickname-name, here for girls (also Rudyard Kipling's Kim).

It registers thinly on its own. Rare, royal-fortress-meadow at the root, and retro.

Did you know? Kimberly comes from an English place-name, 'Cyneburg's meadow' ('royal fortress') — Kim is its crisp, friendly nickname (also a standalone, and Kipling's Kim).

Overall data confidence 78%

Behind the Name — Kimberly — root etymology

Variations

KimberlyKimmieKym

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Kim…

Kimberly— the full name

Kit— another short retro name

Klaire— a similarly popular pick

Kiah— shares Kim's English roots

Krue— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Kim

By themeenglish nickname-name

By meaningRoyal / Noble Earth / Nature

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Kim mean?

Kim shortens Kimberly — 'royal fortress meadow'.

How do you pronounce Kim?

It's said KIM /ˈkɪm/ — a single syllable.

Is Kim a boy or girl name?

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

How popular is Kim?

Kim is a rare name on its own in the U.S. today.