Kimberlea is a unique and distinctive feminine given name of English origin. Its exact derivation and meaning are somewhat unclear, as it does not appear to have a widely accepted etymology.
Some sources suggest that Kimberlea may be a variant spelling of the name Kimberly, which is derived from the male given name Cymbeline, itself an anglicized form of the Latin name Cunobeline. This name was borne by a historical British king and is also featured in Shakespeare's play "Cymbeline." If Kimberlea is indeed related to Kimberly, it could potentially mean "from the royal fortress," reflecting the fortified nature of Cymbeline's kingdom.
Another possible origin for Kimberlea is as an American invention, created by parents looking for a unique and memorable name for their daughter. In this case, its meaning would be subjective and dependent on the interpretation of the person who chose it.
Despite its uncertain origins, Kimberlea has been used as a given name in various English-speaking countries over the past few decades. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, its popularity has been quite limited, with fewer than five girls named Kimberlea born each year since 1985.
Overall, Kimberlea is an uncommon and unusual feminine given name of uncertain origins and meaning. Its rarity may contribute to its appeal for parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughter, but it is important to note that its etymology remains largely unexplored and open to interpretation.
The statistics provided show the number of babies named Kimberlea born annually in the United States from 1954 to 2000. The name's popularity fluctuated over this period, with a peak in 1962 when there were 21 births.
During the early years (1954-1966), the number of Kimberlea births ranged between 7 and 20 each year, indicating a consistent level of popularity for the name during this time. The highest numbers were recorded in 1962 and 1970 with 21 and 22 births respectively.
However, after reaching its peak in 1970, the popularity of the name Kimberlea began to decline steadily. Between 1973 and 1982, there were fewer than 15 births each year, suggesting that the name was becoming less common during this period.
The downward trend continued into the 1990s, with the lowest number of Kimberlea births recorded in 1983 (5 births). Although there were slight increases in some years, such as 1992 and 1999 with 11 and 9 births respectively, overall, the popularity of the name Kimberlea continued to decrease.
By the end of the period studied (2000), the total number of Kimberlea births had reached 531. While the name may not have been as popular in its later years compared to its peak in the 1960s and early 1970s, it still retains a place among the names chosen for newborn girls in the United States over these decades.