Kimberley

Kimberley is a surname of English origin, derived from the Old English personal name "Cyneburg" meaning "royal fortress". The name is also associated with the Old English word "leah" which means "clearing", "meadow" or "forest".

Origin

The surname Kimberley is believed to have originated as a locational surname, denoting individuals who were from a place called Kimberley. The town of Kimberley in Norfolk, England, is one such place.

Distribution

The surname Kimberley is relatively rare in the United Kingdom, with concentrations in regions such as Norfolk, Yorkshire, and other parts of southern England. It is also found in other English-speaking countries such as Australia, Canada, and the United States, often as a result of migration.

Notable Individuals

  • Michael Kimberley (1946-2009) - A prominent British automotive executive who served as the Chief Executive Officer of Group Lotus plc.
  • John Kimberley - A fictional character in the popular British soap opera "EastEnders".
  • Ruthie Kimberley - A contemporary British artist known for her vibrant and expressive paintings.

References

  • Hanks, P., Hardcastle, K., & Hodges, F. (2006). A Dictionary of Surnames. Oxford University Press.
  • Reaney, P.H., & Wilson, R.M. (1997). A Dictionary of English Surnames. Routledge.

There are approximately 2,850 people named Kimberley in the UK. That makes it roughly the 3,131st most common surname in Britain. Around 44 in a million people in Britain are named Kimberley.

Surname type: Location or geographical feature

Origin: English

Region of origin: British Isles

Country of origin: England

Religion of origin: Christian

Language of origin: English

Typical given names associated with the surname

Male

  • Andrew
  • David
  • James
  • John
  • Mark
  • Michael
  • Paul
  • Richard
  • Robert
  • Simon
  • Stephen

Female

  • Andrea
  • Carol
  • Claire
  • Elizabeth
  • Emma
  • Julie
  • Karen
  • Lesley
  • Lisa
  • Margaret
  • Nicola
  • Sarah
  • Susan
  • Wendy

Similar and related surnames

Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.

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