Kim

Meaning & Origin

Meaning: Gold; Ruler

Background: The name Kim originates from the Korean surname '금' (Geum), meaning 'gold.' In English contexts, it is often used as a diminutive of names such as Kimberly, which derives from the Old English elements 'cyne' meaning 'royal' or 'noble,' and 'berht' meaning 'bright' or 'famous.'

At a glance

Quick stats based on the history of this name.

Lifetime rank
#218
Total births
214,725
Most popular decade
1960s (304,719 births)
10-year trend
↓ Falling (-2,199 ranks)
Years in Top 100
16
First recorded year
1912

Gender usage

16.3% male 83.7% female

Stats by gender

Male

First year
1912
First year births
5
First year rank
#2,544
Peak year
1955
Peak year births
3,490
Peak rank
#98
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
13
Recent rank
#6,443

Female

First year
1914
First year births
5
First year rank
#3,618
Peak year
1960
Peak year births
12,474
Peak rank
#34
Most recent year
2024
Recent year births
28
Recent rank
#4,758

Births over time

Number of babies given this name each year.

Rank over time

Popularity rank by year (1 = most popular).

Related links