Meaning and Origin of the Name Kim

The name Kim, which is often short for Kimberly, in an English given name. It is typically seen as an effeminate name, however, it actually originated as a shortened version of Kimball, the name of the male protagonist in Rudyard Kipling’s book, Kim.

The English meaning of Kim comes from the Old English word cynebeald, which means “bold kin,” or “bold king.”

Popularity of the Name Kim

The popularity of Kim has seen a drop in recent years. It was most common in the 1960’s. During 1960, in particular, it was the 34th most common given girls name in the United States, according to the Social Security Administration. In 2015, however, it was the 2,526th most common name. This is, however, an increase from the previous year, when it was only 2,558th most common.

Famous People Called Kim

Notable Kims Kim Kardashian, a television entertainer, model and business woman, Kim Cattrall, an English-Canadian actress who is best known for her role in the television series Sex and the City, and Kim Basinger who is a former fashion model turned actress.

Kim Kardashian is a popular American reality television celebrity.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other English girls’ names.