Kemp is a unique and distinctive given name of English origin. Its meaning and history are not well-documented compared to more common names, but it has a fascinating story nonetheless.
The name Kemp is believed to have originated as an occupational surname, meaning that it was likely bestowed upon individuals who worked in a specific trade or had a particular skill. In this case, the surname Kemp is thought to have been given to people who were skilled weavers or makers of linen. The name may also have been derived from the Middle English word 'kempe', which means 'to fight' or 'to combat', suggesting that it could potentially be a reference to physical prowess or martial skill.
The earliest records of the surname Kemp date back to the 13th century in England, where it was recorded as both a first name and a surname. Over time, the name has evolved and spread throughout various parts of Europe, with notable occurrences found in countries such as Germany, the Netherlands, and Scandinavia.
In terms of its use as a given name, Kemp is relatively rare compared to other names. However, it has appeared periodically throughout history, with some famous bearers including American actor Corbin Bernsen, whose character on the television series "L.A. Law" was named Arnie Kemp. Additionally, there are several notable individuals with the surname Kemp, such as English footballer Jack Kemp and Australian cricketer Alan Kemp.
Overall, while the origins and meaning of the name Kemp may not be as clear-cut or widely-known as some other names, its unique history and distinctive sound make it an intriguing choice for those looking for a less common given name option.
Based on the statistics provided, we can observe the trends of babies named Kemp born annually in the United States from 1898 to 2023.
The earliest data point is from 1898 with 5 births recorded. The number of births fluctuates over the years, reaching a high of 31 births in 1957 and dropping as low as 5 births in some recent years such as 2001, 2019, and 2021.
From 1955 to 1964, there was a notable increase in the number of babies named Kemp. This period saw the highest numbers with peaks in 1957 (31 births), 1962 (25 births), and 1963 (22 births). However, this trend did not continue into subsequent decades.
In the 1970s, the number of babies named Kemp began to decline significantly. The highest year during this decade was 1974 with 16 births, while other years dropped as low as 5 births in 1980.
The pattern of fluctuation continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with no clear consistent trend apart from an overall decline. The most recent data shows a slight increase from 2013 onwards, with 17 births recorded in 2017 and 13 births in 2023.
Overall, based on these statistics, the name Kemp has seen periods of popularity followed by steady declines over the years in the United States. Despite fluctuations, there have been babies named Kemp born annually since 1898, with a total of 1271 births recorded during this period.