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Kimberley
Pronounced KIM-bər-lee /ˈkɪm.bər.li/High
Meaning: -ley spelling of Kimberly — from Old English, 'Cyneburg's field/wood' (Cyneburg, 'royal fortress'); routes layeredMedium
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
Kimberley is a -ley spelling of Kimberly — from Old English, 'Cyneburg's field/wood' (Cyneburg, 'royal fortress', plus leah, 'meadow'; routes layered, which we note). Popularized by the diamond town of Kimberley, South Africa. A vintage, classic name; the -ley styling personalizes it (nickname Kim).
It registers thinly today. Rare now, the-royal-fortress-meadow at the (likely) root, and classic.
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Frequently Asked
What does the name Kimberley mean?
Kimberley spells Kimberly — 'Cyneburg's field/wood' (royal fortress meadow); the routes are layered.
How do you pronounce Kimberley?
It's said KIM-bər-lee /ˈkɪm.bər.li/ — three syllables, stress on the first.
Is Kimberley a boy or girl name?
Kimberley is a girl's name.
How popular is Kimberley?
Kimberley is a rare spelling in the U.S.; Kimberly is more common.