Surname Kimble - Meaning and Origin

Rediscovering the Kimble Legacy: A Personal Narrative of DNA Ancestry and Family Identity

Comprehending the personal significance of my iGENEA DNA test results opened a new window to my family legacy. These results forged a profound connection with my surname Kimble and unboxed a new page of my family identity, constructing an extraordinary link to my past. The newfound knowledge stirred my view on self-identity, adding a resolute sense of belonging.

O. Kimble

Kimble: What does the surname Kimble mean?

The surname Kimble is of early medieval English origin. It is a locational name derived from the place called Kimble, near Aylesbury in Buckinghamshire. The place was recorded as "Cynebaldesham" in the Saxon Chartulary in 888, indicating that the name means "home of Cynebald," with "Cynebald" being an Old English personal name, and "-ham" denoting home, estate, or village.

The personal name "Cynebald" is composed of elements "cyne," meaning royal, and "beald," bold. Thus, this name literally meant "royal bold."

The surname, in its various forms, dates back to the early 13th century. Some notable people with the surname Kimble include educator and author Steve Kimble, and American musician and drummer Stanton Kimble Moore.

Like many surnames, over centuries and across continents, it has undergone significant spelling variations such as Kimblee, Kimblin, Kimbell and Kimball. Even though the meaning has primarily historical relevance today, it gives an intriguing insight into the lineage and heritage of individuals bearing the Kimble surname.

Kimble: Where does the name Kimble come from?

The surname Kimble is of Anglo-Saxon origin, derived from the Old English words "cyn" and "beorg", which mean "royal hill". The name was first found in Buckinghamshire, England, where the village of Kimble, now known as Great and Little Kimble, is believed to be the original home of this lineage.

As an English origin surname, Kimble is fairly widespread in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States, where it has been popular since colonial times. The American migration data suggests that some of the first settlers of this family name were James Kimble who settled in Virginia in 1664, Richard Kimble who settled in New England in 1765, and Benjamin, Isaac, and John Kimble who settled in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania between 1851 and 1880.

Today, due to migrations and demographic changes, the surname can be found in many countries worldwide, but still remains more prevalent in the United States. Some individuals with this surname have achieved fame, contributing to its familiarity, yet it is not among the most common surnames globally.

Variations of the surname Kimble

The surname Kimble is of English origin and is believed to have originated from the Old English words "cyn" (royal) and "beorg" (hill), suggesting a topographical origin. The name may have described someone who lived near a royal hill or a hill with a view of a wondrous sight.

There are a number of variations and spellings for the surname Kimble like Kimberley, Kimberlee, Kimbrell, Kimbley, Kimbell, and Kimbol. Other variations may include Kembell, Kembel, Kymbol, Kymbell, Kymball, Cymberly and Kymbolle.

Occurrences of the name with slightly different spelling, like "Kimbile" or "Kembile," might also be found in some historical records due their phonetic similarity.

Kimble is often mistaken for similar-sounding surnames such as Kimball or Kimber, which have separate origins. While they may share some similarities and mistaken identities, they are distinct surnames with differing etymological history.

While examining any surname, it's important to consider that spellings often changed over time due to various factors including changes in the language, translation errors, and phonetic spelling. Therefore, a wide array of spelling variations can exist, especially in older documents and records.

Famous people with the name Kimble

• Gary Kimble: American actor best known for roles in Star Trek: The Next Generation and Cyborg 2.
• Abner M. Kimble: American baseball player who played in the Major League Baseball from 1902 to 1910.
• Jessie Kimble: American politician who served as the first woman to become mayor of an Alabama town; she was elected in 1952.
• Kristen Wiig Kimble: American actress, comedian, and writer, best known for her work on Saturday Night Live.
• Ira Kimble: American race car driver who raced in the Indianapolis 500 in 1910.
• Imani Kimble: American R&B/Soul singer and songwriter who released her debut single “The Waiter” in 2018.
• Demetria Kimble: American actress and singer who starred in the productions of Dreamgirls and Jesus Christ Superstar.
• Popeye Kimble: American Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Cincinnati Reds in the 1940s.
• George Kimble: American educator and award-winning author who wrote The Puzzle Palace and Eyes on the Prize.
• Ray Kimble: American actor and comedian who appeared in TV shows like Welcome Back Kotter and King of Queens.

Other surnames

Kimbley