Today’s prompt asked me to write about my first name — so let’s talk Kimberley.
First things first: my parents were convinced I was going to be a boy. Like… fully prepared-for-a-boy convinced. Names were discussed, plans were made… and then ✨plot twist✨ — I arrived very much a girl.
Cue the name battle.
My mum had her heart set on Charmaine. My dad? Absolutely not having it. Full veto. So after a bit of back-and-forth, Kimberley won out instead — and honestly, I think it suits me far better.
What Does Kimberley Mean?
The name Kimberley comes from Old English roots, meaning “from the royal fortress meadow” — which feels oddly fitting. A little soft, a little strong, a little “don’t mess with me but also let me read in peace.”
It was originally a place name before becoming a given name, and while it’s often considered unisex, I’ve always loved its slightly feminine, slightly tomboy edge.
Nicknames I’ve Collected Along the Way
Like most longer names, Kimberley has been lovingly chopped down over the years:
- Kim (classic, efficient)
- Kimmy (cute, usually from people who’ve known me forever)
- Kimbo (exclusive use by my dad… and now my stepdad — a title passed down, apparently)
Each one feels like a different version of me depending on who’s saying it — which I kind of love.
Why It Matters
I didn’t get the name my mum originally imagined, and I wasn’t the baby my parents expected… but somehow, the name I ended up with fits the life I’ve grown into perfectly. Creative, cosy, a little chaotic, and very much my own.
Funny how names work like that, isn’t it?
💬 Final Thought:
Do you know the story behind your name — or were you almost called something completely different? Come chat with me in the comments 💕
The Reading Nook 