Kimberley Family Crest, Coat of Arms and Name History

Origins of Kimberley:

This interesting name of English origin is geographical and from any of different places so called, from various Olde English pre 7th Century specific names, and “leah,” which means a wood or clearing. In Warwickshire, it was first noted in 1311 as “Kynebaldeleye”, wood or “Cynebald,” which is a combination of the components “Cyne,” Royal and “beald,” which means brave. The place in Nottinghamshire noted in the Domesday Book of 1086 as “Chinemarelie,” which means wood or “Cynemoer”, with the components “Cyne,” royal and “Moer,” which means Fame. Lastly, Kimberley in Norfolk noted as “Chineburlai” in the Domesday Book, the name “Cyneburh” which means royal fortress. Two early recordings of name ancestors in Warwickshire are of one Edwarde Kimberley named at Lea Marston in March 1607, and the wedding of Elizabeth Kimberley to William Compton in October 1569 at Harborough Magna.

Variations:

More common variations are: Kimberly, Kimberle, Kimberlee, Kemberley, Kimberlly, Kimberlie, Kimberely, Kimberlea, Kimberlye, Kimeberly.

England:

The surname Kimberley first appeared in Nottinghamshire, where evidence shows they held a family seat before the Norman Invasion.

The very first recording spelling of the family was shown to be that of William de Chineburlai, dated about 1161, in the “Pipe Rolls of Nottinghamshire.” It was during the time of King Henry II who was known to be the “The Builder of Churches,” dated 1154 – 1189. The origin of surnames during this period became a necessity with the introduction of personal taxation. It came to be known as Poll Tax in England.

Ireland:

Many of the people with surname Kimberley had moved to Ireland during the 17th century.

United States of America:

Some of the individuals with the name Kimberley who arrived in the United States in the 17th century included Thomas Kimberley, who sailed to New England in 1635.

New-Zealand:

Some of the population with the surname Kimberley who arrived in New Zealand in the 19th century included Charles Kimberley arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship “Lorraine” in 1878. Kate Kimberley arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship “Lorraine” in 1878. Matilda Kimberley arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship “Lorraine” in 1878. Winifred Kimberley arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship “Lorraine” in 1878. Catherine Kimberley arrived in Auckland, New Zealand aboard the ship “Lorraine” in 1878

Here is the population distribution of the last name Kimberley: England 2,162; United States 790; Australia 609; South Africa 365; Canada 345; France 135; New Zealand 111; Finland 60; Scotland 53; Spain 24

Notable People:

Barry Robert Kimberley was born in May in the year 1957. He is an old Australian rules football player who played in the West Australian Football League (WAFL) playing for the Swan Districts Football Club and the Perth Football Club. Originally selected by the Demons in 1978, Kimberley worked his way through the reserves and played his first senior game in 1979. A hard-working rover, Kimberley was famous for keeping possessions during a game and using the ball wisely. He remained with Perth for four seasons before joining Swan Districts, in 1983. He soon became a major part with the Swans and played in the 1983 Grand Final mostly in the forward pocket.

Rear Admiral Lewis Ashfield Kimberly (April 1830 – January in the year 1902) was an officer in the United States Navy during the American Civil War and the years following.

Walter Kimberley (September 1884 –April 1917) was an English professional football left back and right half who played in the Football League for Aston Villa. While playing for Coventry City, he worked at the Coventry Ordnance Works. An army reservist, Kimberley rejoined the Coldstream Guards as a lance corporal in August 1914, during the opening months of the First World War. The following month, he was caught by the Germans during the First Battle of the Marne and spent two years as a prisoner of war, before being repatriated to Britain in August 1916 with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Blazons & Genealogy Notes

Ar. an oak tree eradicated vert, fructed or.