Kim: Name Meaning, Origin, and Popularity

Pronunciation: ke-e-m
Origin: Korea, Republic of
gender-male

Emmy Samtani

Emmy Samtani

Emmy is the founder of Kiindred and mother to 3 little ones. Over the last 4 years, she has worked with some of the most credible experts in the parenting space and is a keen contributor on all things parenthood.
Updated on Apr 14, 2025 · 1 min read
Region Origin: Asia
Meaning: Noble

The name Kim is a unisex name with multiple origins and meanings. It is derived from the Old English word "cumb," which means "royal fortress" or "meadow". In Anglo-Saxon, the name means "noble or brave", while in Welsh, it signifies "chief of war" or "leader". Additionally, Kim is the diminutive of Kimball, a common surname and a rare male-given name in the English language. Kim also has a Korean origin, signifying "gold". The name's origins can be traced back to the Silla dynasty and the Gaya confederacy, ancient kingdoms in the Korean peninsula. When these kingdoms united, the last name Kim became very popular. Due to its royal lineage, Kim is one of Korea's most common and popular names. In summary, the name Kim has various meanings and origins, including "royal fortress" or "meadow" in Old English, "noble or brave" in Anglo-Saxon, and "leader" or "chief of war" in Welsh. It is also a diminutive of Kimball and a common surname in Korea, signifying "gold" and having a rich history dating back to ancient kingdoms.

Kim Name Popularity Data

chat-overall Kim is currently #495 in the popularity of the name rankings.
gender-female Boy: Kim is currently #495 on Kiindred Boy Names

Popularity Trend Chart

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