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Kim as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Kim

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The baby name Kim is a Unisex name , 1 syllables long and is pronounced /kɪm/ (KIM).

Kim is English, Korean, Vietnamese in Origin.

Gender: Unisex
Syllables: 1.0
Origin: English, Korean, Vietnamese
Pronunciation: /kɪm/ (KIM)

What is the meaning of the name Kim ?

The baby name Kim is a Unisex name , 1 syllables long and is pronounced /kɪm/ (KIM).

Kim is English, Korean, Vietnamese in Origin.

Kim is a multicultural, gender-neutral given name and surname. In English it is chiefly a short form of Kimberly or Kimberley - place-name surnames from Old English elements Cyneburh (“royal fortress” person name) + leah (“wood/clearing”), yielding the sense “Cyneburh’s clearing/royal meadow.” It also abbreviates Kimber and the male name Kimball. Popularity in the English-speaking world rose after Rudyard Kipling’s novel Kim (1901), whose hero’s full name is Kimball O’Hara, and surged for girls with mid-20th-century Kimberly.

In East Asia, Kim is the standard romanization of the Korean surname 金 (Gim), meaning “gold,” borne by roughly a fifth of Koreans; it also appears as a given name element. Vietnamese Kim, likewise from Sino-Vietnamese 金, means “gold; metal” and is used alone or in compounds (e.g., Kim-Anh). In Scandinavia and the Low Countries, Kim functions as a unisex short form of Joakim/Joachim or Jakob; variants include Kym, Kimmie/Kimmy, Kimberly/Kimberley, Kimber, and Kimball.

Kim has the following similar or variant Names

Famous people with the name Kim

Kim Kardashian Actor · Born 1980 · United States Kim Kardashian is most famous for her role in the reality TV show 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians'. She has also ventured into business with her beauty and fashion lines, including KKW Beauty and Skims. Born in 1980 in the United States, Kim has become a significant figure in pop culture and social media. Kim Ki-duk Actor · Born 1960 · South Korea Kim Ki-duk was a South Korean filmmaker known for his unique and often controversial storytelling style. He gained international acclaim with films like 'Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring' and '3-Iron'. His work often explored themes of isolation and human nature. Kim Cattrall Actor · Born 1956 · Canada Kim Cattrall is a Canadian actor best known for her role as Samantha Jones in the TV series Sex and the City. Her performance in the show earned her several awards and nominations. She also appeared in films like Mannequin and Big Trouble in Little China.
Kim Soo-hyun Actor · Born 1988 · South Korea Kim Soo-hyun is a South Korean actor best known for his roles in popular television dramas like 'My Love from the Star' and 'Moon Embracing the Sun'. Born in 1988, he has also starred in films such as 'Secretly, Greatly'. Kim Jong-hyun Actor · Born 1990 · South Korea Kim Jong-hyun is a South Korean actor best known for his roles in popular television dramas like 'Crash Landing on You' and 'School 2017'. Born in 1990, he has gained recognition for his versatile acting skills and engaging performances. Kim Tae-hee Actor · Born 1980 · South Korea Kim Tae-hee is a South Korean actress best known for her roles in popular television dramas like 'Stairway to Heaven' and 'Iris'. Born in 1980, she has captivated audiences with her performances and is considered one of South Korea's most talented actresses.

Celebrity babies named Kim

Name Last Name(s) Mother Mother famous for Fame Level Father Father famous for Fame Level
Kim Chun-song Kim Jong-il film producer ★★★★★
Kim Jong-chul Kim Jong-il film producer ★★★★★
Kim Jong-nam Kim Jong-il film producer ★★★★★
Kim Jong-un Kim Jong-il film producer ★★★★★
Kim Sul-song Kim Jong-il film producer ★★★★★
Kim Yo-jong Kim Jong-il film producer ★★★★★
Kim Kardashian Kris Jenner television presenter ★★★★★
Kim Ju Ae Ri Sol-ju singer ★★★★★

Kim – Popularity by country

Based on birth registration data from national statistics agencies.

Country Gender Year Rank Born of
Ireland Girls 2024 #1 — 911
Germany Girls 2025 #1 — 411
Ireland Boys 2005 #1 — 585
KR 0 #1 14 201
KR Boys 0 #1 112 897
KR Girls 0 #1 50 572
KH 0 #3 1 102
KH Girls 0 #4 3 148
KH Boys 0 #5 5 270
FJ 0 #6 1 374
NL Girls 0 #9 11,045 5,933
PH 0 #11 101 5,607
DK Boys 0 #15 2,852 7,401
BW 0 #17 3 960
BN 0 #20 12 2,297
NL 0 #22 840 2,481
NA 0 #26 8 2,537
MO 0 #27 26 2,706
PH Girls 0 #28 827 13,098
DJ Girls 0 #29 1 488
MT 0 #32 12 1,767
MV Girls 0 #33 3 2,021
DK 0 #34 344 5,198
LU 0 #37 30 2,830
ID 0 #38 2 2,238
JM Girls 0 #38 437 7,507
GE 0 #43 2 997
BI Boys 0 #44 1 917
BN Girls 0 #46 63 5,459
JM 0 #46 42 3,714
CM 0 #53 4 2,592
ZA 0 #53 582 14,421
PR 0 #55 1 1,497
CY 0 #58 3 1,632
MT Girls 0 #62 95 3,773
JP 0 #68 10 4,057
SG Girls 0 #69 1,400 18,916
IN 0 #70 2 2,963
QA 0 #71 30 7,011
TW 0 #71 30 4,523
BN Boys 0 #73 61 6,332
MO Girls 0 #73 229 7,056
PH Boys 0 #73 500 11,440
AO 0 #74 4 2,729
SI 0 #74 7 1,612
CN 0 #75 11 3,857
AF 0 #76 1 1,883
AL 0 #76 1 2,372
MV Boys 0 #76 4 3,375
LU Girls 0 #77 127 4,850
MD Boys 0 #81 1 756
BG 0 #82 1 1,799
CR 0 #82 78 5,526
RS 0 #84 1 923
MO Boys 0 #85 171 5,842
Finland Boys 0 #89 1,192 2,041
ID Girls 0 #89 10 3,319
KZ 0 #89 6 1,452
SG 0 #89 216 11,010
AF Girls 0 #93 2 2,402
BW Girls 0 #94 55 4,216
OM 0 #95 22 6,215
GE Boys 0 #103 8 2,055
MY 0 #103 264 12,352
ID Boys 0 #106 26 4,130
KW 0 #106 11 5,216
GE Girls 0 #107 2 1,564
CY Girls 0 #110 12 3,755
Finland Boys 2026 #110 4,880 3,552
MY Girls 0 #111 2,820 24,821
EE Boys 0 #114 12 2,087
Switzerland Girls 2024 #115 21 1,786
LU Boys 0 #116 108 4,970
AE 0 #119 59 10,220
EC 0 #119 3 2,502
IQ 0 #119 11 3,533
CR Girls 0 #120 900 11,342
Norway Boys 2023 #127 9 460
AZ Boys 0 #129 3 1,400
MU 0 #129 9 3,613
Norway Girls 2011 #130 4 513
CY Boys 0 #131 1 3,473
GR 0 #132 4 3,911
PA 0 #134 5 3,797
Switzerland Boys 2024 #136 2 1,769
BW Boys 0 #137 13 4,685
JO 0 #138 3 2,158
Germany Girls 0 #142 2,807 4,949
LT Boys 0 #147 5 2,166
QA Girls 0 #148 177 15,378
HK Boys 0 #149 972 12,905
Finland 0 #153 198 830
SI Girls 0 #153 22 2,769
ZA Girls 0 #153 3,652 25,928
RS Boys 0 #154 1 2,277
MT Boys 0 #155 22 4,064
TW Girls 0 #159 125 8,139
PR Girls 0 #164 4 3,171
CN Boys 0 #166 178 9,639
MY Boys 0 #172 2,553 25,439
HU Boys 0 #173 2 3,954
NA Girls 0 #174 51 7,146
TW Boys 0 #175 68 7,111
UY 0 #175 8 2,477
HR 0 #176 6 2,081
PR Boys 0 #177 2 2,508
Sweden Boys 2022 #179 4 1,509
CZ 0 #179 8 3,154
RU 0 #179 11 3,641
AO Boys 0 #180 63 5,568
Sweden Girls 2021 #181 3 1,666
Belgium Girls 2003 #181 35 407
HK 0 #182 192 8,483
AR 0 #192 2 2,915
KW Girls 0 #192 380 19,177
Germany 0 #193 323 2,542
Austria 0 #197 17 850
KZ Boys 0 #197 96 6,578
KZ Girls 0 #197 143 5,862
LT Girls 0 #199 2 1,904
SG Boys 0 #200 829 17,960
PS 0 #201 18 5,692
BG Boys 0 #203 17 3,850
JP Girls 0 #204 42 6,592
SI Boys 0 #204 8 3,402
BD 0 #207 21 5,992
AE Girls 0 #210 396 20,968
PL 0 #210 3 2,600
BG Girls 0 #211 13 3,559
AO Girls 0 #213 5 4,575
AL Girls 0 #219 9 4,141
HU Girls 0 #220 6 3,308
IR 0 #223 9 4,221
CN Girls 0 #225 132 8,829
Belgium Boys 1995 #233 17 433
GR Girls 0 #233 10 6,293
SA 0 #233 63 10,560
IL 0 #234 41 6,291
HK Girls 0 #239 578 16,104
GH 0 #242 7 5,396
EC Boys 0 #245 2 3,322
NA Boys 0 #246 8 6,830
JM Boys 0 #247 26 6,876
PT 0 #247 4 4,161
HR Girls 0 #250 40 3,687
SA Girls 0 #250 1,079 25,931
EC Girls 0 #254 5 3,650
HR Boys 0 #256 4 3,997
OM Girls 0 #256 141 15,987
DK Girls 0 #259 58 7,429
PT Boys 0 #266 110 7,951
NG 0 #267 6 5,926
GR Boys 0 #268 6 6,912
JP Boys 0 #268 30 7,909
RU Boys 0 #269 281 12,621
GT 0 #278 37 5,948
CZ Boys 0 #279 26 6,530
MU Girls 0 #279 73 8,539
Canada Girls 2024 #280 6 2,795
PE 0 #286 25 6,350
IQ Girls 0 #293 233 11,303
AL Boys 0 #295 9 5,122
GH Girls 0 #297 28 6,973
IL Girls 0 #302 403 11,648
JO Girls 0 #302 24 7,570
RU Girls 0 #303 232 11,913
CZ Girls 0 #305 37 5,378
PS Girls 0 #310 239 10,981
MU Boys 0 #313 45 8,477
Austria Girls 0 #316 106 1,885
Canada Boys 2008 #319 5 2,355
GH Boys 0 #320 26 8,138
PL Boys 0 #321 15 6,459
SD Girls 0 #321 25 7,678
BR 0 #322 24 5,969
YE 0 #328 54 8,639
CM Girls 0 #331 221 11,671
PL Girls 0 #334 21 5,096
BO 0 #341 41 6,868
Finland Girls 0 #343 49 1,368
GT Girls 0 #353 161 7,500
BD Girls 0 #362 25 8,413
JO Boys 0 #368 10 7,057
France Girls 2021 #371 35 3,185
PA Girls 0 #376 107 9,861
CL 0 #377 35 6,867
France Boys 2021 #380 8 2,865
MX 0 #381 33 8,339
UY Boys 0 #383 17 5,922
EG 0 #386 15 6,387
Germany Boys 0 #392 811 5,697
Spain 0 #392 61 2,326
CL Girls 0 #394 627 14,098
NG Girls 0 #406 499 15,093
SD Boys 0 #407 39 10,523
MA 0 #414 1,378 20,986
DZ 0 #422 1,300 20,130
Austria Boys 0 #423 20 2,180
PT Girls 0 #424 28 7,952
AR Boys 0 #429 39 7,628
BH 0 #436 118 17,937
UY Girls 0 #449 62 6,731
IR Girls 0 #459 72 8,334
GT Boys 0 #463 12 7,625
CO 0 #464 17 7,768
CR Boys 0 #465 23 10,188
LY 0 #465 71 12,703
PA Boys 0 #466 16 9,305
BO Girls 0 #476 137 9,488
PS Boys 0 #480 69 10,655
CL Boys 0 #482 193 13,390
IN Girls 0 #488 145 13,121
CM Boys 0 #501 50 12,054
IL Boys 0 #510 98 10,983
BR Boys 0 #523 244 12,213
PE Girls 0 #525 543 14,861
IR Boys 0 #527 26 10,162
QA Boys 0 #532 176 18,093
BD Boys 0 #540 37 10,045
TN 0 #541 326 13,765
AR Girls 0 #545 55 8,289
BO Boys 0 #551 42 9,244
IQ Boys 0 #558 110 13,071
IT 0 #576 140 4,183
NL Boys 0 #589 396 5,873
MX Girls 0 #592 863 17,781
LB 0 #597 62 13,263
Finland Girls 2026 #601 145 3,895
CO Girls 0 #634 542 16,140
Spain Boys 0 #634 312 5,610
PE Boys 0 #648 240 14,506
KW Boys 0 #659 111 18,755
BR Girls 0 #670 283 12,708
NG Boys 0 #670 306 16,906
SY 0 #672 57 11,684
EG Girls 0 #688 284 14,742
Spain Girls 0 #714 278 5,561
EG Boys 0 #720 167 15,035
CO Boys 0 #765 157 15,656
ZA Boys 0 #774 444 25,619
MX Boys 0 #791 195 16,355
OM Boys 0 #791 91 17,948
TR 0 #839 412 19,440
AE Boys 0 #855 239 22,615
IT Girls 0 #860 683 9,415
United States Boys 2024 #880 13 7,044
United States Girls 2024 #889 28 8,487
IN Boys 0 #923 79 16,750
SA Boys 0 #931 822 28,008
IT Boys 0 #985 502 10,046

Kim is popular in 96 countries — most recent births per country:

Norway
France
Ireland
Scotland, United Kingdom
Canada

Did we miss something about this name? Let us know!

People also ask about Kim

Kim is a unisex name, given to both boys and girls.
Kim is a one syllable name, pronounced /kɪm/ (KIM).
Common nicknames and spelling variations include Kimberly, Kimberley, Kimmy, Kimmie, Kimball and Kimi.
Across languages, Kim has these equivalents: Kimberly (English, full form), Kimball (English, masculine), 김 (Kim — Korean), Kimi (Finnish/Japanese diminutive), Kimmo (Finnish masculine).
Yes, very popular — Kim ranked #1 in Ireland in 2024, and appears in official birth registries across 11 countries.
Kim ranks highest in Ireland (#1 in 2024).
Yes — 23 notable people named Kim are in our database, including Kim Kardashian (Actor), Kim Ki-duk (Actor), Kim Cattrall (Actor).
Yes — at least 8 celebrity couples have chosen Kim for their child, including Kim Jong-il.