Kimberlee is a feminine given name of American origin. It is a variant spelling of the name Kimberly, which itself is derived from the male given name Cymbeline, a character in Shakespeare's play "The Winter's Tale". The name Cymbeline is thought to be derived from the Latin word "cembelinus", meaning "of or relating to Wales".
The name Kimberlee, like Kimberly, has gained popularity as a feminine name since the mid-20th century. It is often associated with the American South and is considered somewhat old-fashioned today. However, it remains a popular choice among some parents who appreciate its unique sound and vintage charm.
In terms of meaning, Kimberlee does not have a specific definition or association like many other names. Its popularity has likely contributed to its perception as a name that simply sounds pleasing rather than having a particular significance. Nevertheless, some people with the name may choose to adopt their own interpretation or association with it.
Throughout history, there are no notable figures associated specifically with the name Kimberlee. However, there have been several individuals named Kimberly who have made significant contributions in various fields such as politics (Kim Campbell), sports (Kim Clijsters), and entertainment (Kim Basinger). These individuals may be considered notable bearers of names similar to Kimberlee.
In popular culture, the name Kimberlee has appeared in various forms of media. For instance, it was used for a character in the television series "Beverly Hills, 90210" and for a main character in the video game series "Final Fantasy". These appearances may have contributed to its familiarity among many people today.
Overall, Kimberlee is a distinctive feminine given name with an American origin. While it does not have a specific meaning or history associated with it, it remains a popular choice among some parents who appreciate its unique sound and vintage charm. Its popularity has likely also contributed to its perception as a name that simply sounds pleasing rather than having a particular significance.
The name Kimberlee has seen a varied trend in popularity over the past eight decades in the United States. In the late 1940s and early 1950s, its usage was quite scarce, with only 8 births recorded in 1947 and 17 in 1948.
However, starting from 1952, there was a significant increase in its popularity. The number of newborn girls named Kimberlee jumped to 63 that year, and continued to rise throughout the decade, peaking at 572 births in 1969. This marked a period of considerable prominence for the name.
The trend persisted into the early 1970s, with over 400 Kimberlee births annually between 1970 and 1973. But thereafter, its popularity began to wane. By 1976, there were only 342 Kimberlee births recorded.
This downward trend continued throughout the 1980s, 1990s, and into the 2000s. The lowest point was reached in 2004 with just 71 newborn girls named Kimberlee.
However, since then there has been a slight resurgence. In recent years, the number of Kimberlee births has hovered between 30 to 50 annually, reaching 36 in 2016 and 32 in 2019.
In total, over the past eight decades, there have been 17,636 newborn girls named Kimberlee in the United States. While it was particularly popular in the mid-twentieth century, its usage has since decreased significantly but has maintained a steady presence nonetheless.