Kim

unisexEnglish

Kim is an unisex name of English origin, meaning “Short for Kimberly”.

MeaningShort for Kimberly
GenderUnisex
OriginEnglish
PronunciationKIM
TraditionModern & Classic
Used inUnited States, United Kingdom, Denmark, Australia

Meaning and origin of Kim

Kim is most often a short form of Kimberly, which comes from an English place name and gained fame through the South African diamond town of Kimberley. Rudyard Kipling's novel Kim gave the name to a boy hero, while the actress Kim Novak helped make it popular for girls in the 1950s. Kim is also a common Korean surname and a Scandinavian man's name, which are separate in origin.

Is Kim a religious name?

Kim is a secular name with no religious background.

How popular is Kim?

Used for both genders; most common for girls in the mid-twentieth century.

Gifts with the name Kim

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Spellings and variants of Kim

KimberlyKimberleyKym

Names similar to Kim

More unisex names

Frequently asked questions

What does the name Kim mean?

Kim means 'Short for Kimberly'. It is of English origin.

Does Kim have a religious meaning?

Kim is a secular name with no religious background.

How do you pronounce Kim?

Kim is pronounced KIM.

Is Kim a boy or girl name?

Kim is used for both boys and girls.

Updated October 2026. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.