Origin & Meaning of the Kimball Surname
What does the last name Kimball mean?
The surname Kimball carries the meaning "Family name of European origin." It is derived from the European language and has been passed down through generations, reflecting the occupations, locations, or characteristics of early bearers of the name. With 23,293 bearers in the 2010 US Census, Kimball ranks as the #1,544 most common surname in the United States.
Where does the surname Kimball come from?
The Kimball surname has its roots in European heritage. Names of European origin often reflect the cultural, linguistic, and historical traditions of the communities where they first appeared. Over centuries, migration and cultural exchange have spread the Kimball name far beyond its original homeland.
Language of Origin
The linguistic roots of Kimball trace back to European. Understanding the original language helps decode the meaning and evolution of the name from its earliest recorded forms to the modern spelling used today.
Quick Facts
| Surname | Kimball |
|---|---|
| Meaning | Family name of European origin |
| Origin | European |
| Language | European |
| US Rank (2010) | #1,544 |
| US Count (2010) | 23,293 |
| Per 100K People | 7.9 |
| First Letter | K |
Ethnic Distribution of Kimball
According to the US Census, the Kimball surname is distributed across the following ethnic groups. This data reflects self-reported ethnicity among 23,293 Americans with the Kimball last name.
| Ethnicity | Percentage |
|---|---|
| White | 92.72% |
| Black | 2.29% |
| Hispanic | 2.23% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | 0.75% |
| Native American | 0.48% |
| Two or More Races | 1.54% |
Popularity of Kimball Over Time
Comparing US Census data from 2000 and 2010 shows how the Kimball surname has changed in prevalence.
The number of Americans with the Kimball surname increased by 303 between 2000 and 2010.
Discover Your Kimball Ancestry
Uncover your family's history with a DNA test. Learn where your Kimball ancestors came from and connect with relatives worldwide.
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The Complete Story of the Kimball Family
What you’ve read above is just the overview. Your full Kimball Heritage Report goes far deeper — and it’s yours to keep, print & share with your family.
- ✓ The true origin & meaning of Kimball
- ✓ The Kimball coat of arms & heraldry
- ✓ Migration journey across the world
- ✓ Where Kimball families live today
- ✓ Notable Kimball bearers in history
- ✓ Name variations & spellings worldwide
- ✓ A step-by-step guide to start tracing your own family tree
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Similar Surnames to Kimball
These surnames share similar popularity, spelling, or cultural background with Kimball.
Other European Surnames
Explore more surnames with European roots. There are 162,254 surnames in our database — here are some that share the same European origin as Kimball.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kimball
Top Surnames Starting with K
The most common American surnames that begin with the letter K, ranked by population.
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