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Kimber
Pronounced KIM-ber /ΛkΙͺm.bΙr/High
Meaning: Short form of Kimberly, from Old English Cyneburg meaning royal fortress, composed of cyne (royal) and burh (fortress, stronghold); or a standalone name from the English town of Kimberley (South Africa); meaning royal strongholdHigh
Popularity in the U.S. Β· SSA data
U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880βpresent). Pink marker = peak year.
SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.
History & Origin
Kimber is a short form of Kimberly, itself derived from the English place name Kimberly or the South African city of Kimberley. The place name comes from Old English Cyneburg, a personal name meaning royal fortress (from cyne, royal, and burh, fortified place). Kimberly, South Africa, was named after Lord Kimberley and became internationally famous during the diamond rush of the 1870s. The given name Kimberly was popularized in England and the United States from the mid-20th century, and Kimber emerged as a standalone contraction.
Kimber as a standalone name has been in American birth records since at least the 1980s and has grown in the 21st century as parents seek the same sound as Kimberly in a shorter, fresher package. It fits with the trend for dropping final syllables from longer names β as Becca from Rebecca, Millie from Millicent, or Rosie from Rosemary β to create names that feel contemporary and less formal. Kimber also connects to the Kimber firearms brand, which gives it a slight edge-naming association similar to Remington and Wesson.
Variations
Nicknames
Famous Bearers
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Kimber Lee (b. 1990)American professional wrestler from Seattle, Washington, who competed on the independent circuit as part of tag team The Kimber Bombs and simultaneously held both the Shine and Shimmer Tag Team Championships. She later held the Chikara Grand Championship and signed with WWE, bringing the name Kimber wider recognition in professional wrestling.
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Kimber Benton (fictional, 1985β1988)The younger sister and keyboardist of Jem and the Holograms in the iconic animated series Jem (1985β1988). Known for her fiery personality and musical talent, Kimber became one of the most beloved characters in 1980s girl-centered animation, her name synonymous with creative flair and individuality.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Kimber mean?
Kimber is a short form of Kimberly, from Old English meaning royal fortress β combining royal and fortified stronghold.
How do you pronounce Kimber?
It is said KIM-ber β two syllables, stress on the first.
Is Kimber a real name?
Yes, Kimber appears in U.S. birth records as a standalone girls name, used independently of Kimberly.
Is Kimber related to the firearms brand?
The Kimber firearms company shares the name but is unrelated in etymology; some parents may be drawn to this association.