Last Name Kimber

The surname Kimber originates from England. It is an anglicized form of several different names of Norman origin. One possible source is the French name "de Cimeterre," which means "from Cimitiere," a place name in Normandy. Another possibility is that it comes from the Old Norse personal name "Kymr," meaning "dweller near the whirlpool" or "the comer." The Norman form of this name was "Chimbre" or "Cumbre," which eventually became Kimber and other variations like Kimbr, Kember, and Kimborough in England.

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The meaning and origin of the last name Kimber

The surname Kimber originates from England and is primarily associated with the county of Northumberland. It is derived from various places named Kimber or Kimberley, which in Old English means "the homestead of a person named Kymbe" or "border homestead." Over time, it was a geographical surname for someone who lived near one of these settlements or a topographic name for someone who resided by a boundary marked with stones. The Norman Conquest may have influenced the dispersal of the Kimber family throughout England. Today, Kimber is a relatively uncommon surname in Britain but more widespread in Australia and other parts of the world due to emigration.

Geographical distribution of the last name Kimber

The surname Kimber is predominantly found in English-speaking countries, particularly in England and Wales, due to its Anglo-Saxon origins. It's also common in Scotland and Ireland, although it may have been imported later through Normans or Scots-Irish immigration. In the United States, the name Kimber is most concentrated in states with a significant English or Scottish immigrant history such as Virginia, Texas, North Carolina, and California. In Australia, it's most prevalent in New South Wales and Victoria due to convict transportation from England and later settlement by immigrants from the British Isles. The name also appears in Canada, particularly in Ontario and Quebec, reflecting British and French colonial influences. Globally, Kimber is a relatively rare surname outside of these areas.

Variants and spellings of the last name Kimber

The surname Kimber has several variations and spellings, primarily due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation over time. Some common spelling variants include:

1. Kimber (most common)
2. Kimbell
3. Kimbur
4. Kimborough
5. Kimberly (which can also be a given name or place name, not necessarily a surname)
6. Kemer
7. Keamer
8. Keimber
9. Kaymer
10. Keymer

These variations may arise from factors such as dialectical differences, intentional modifications, or errors during record-keeping and migration processes. It is important to note that these spelling variants may be more common in certain geographical regions or among specific ethnic groups.

Famous people with the last name Kimber

Notable individuals with the surname Kimber include:

1. Sir Archibald Kimber (1875-1963), a British Admiral who served during World War I and World War II, and was later appointed as First Sea Lord in 1946.

2. John Kimber (born 1947), an English historian and author specializing in the history of ancient Greece, particularly the Peloponnesian War.

3. Trevor Kimber (born 1950), a Canadian former professional ice hockey player who played for several National Hockey League teams between 1968 and 1979.

4. Katherine Kimber (born 1962), an American author known for her historical novels, such as "The Maiden's War" and "Lady of the Forest."

5. Tim Kimber (born 1980), an English cricketer who represented England in under-19 cricket before making his first-class debut in 2000 for Leicestershire County Cricket Club.

Genealogical research on the last name Kimber

The surname Kimber originated from England and is believed to have derived from various locations named Kimber or Kimborough. One of the earliest records of the name dates back to the Domesday Book of 1086, where it was spelled as Cimabur. Over the centuries, the surname has had multiple variations including Kimbrow, Kimburrow, and Kemble. Notable individuals bearing this last name include English actor Charles Laughton, Australian cricketer Tom Kimber, and American musician Lena Kimber. The Kimbers are thought to have migrated to North America in the 17th century, establishing settlements primarily in Virginia and Massachusetts. Today, Kimber is a common surname found across several countries, including England, United States, Australia, Canada, and New Zealand.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Kimber"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 27 July 2025

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