Kemper is a name of English origin, derived from the Middle English word "campeour," which means "chamberlain." The name was originally given to those who served as chamberlains in royal households or as stewards in great households.
The name Kemper has an illustrious history dating back centuries. It was first recorded in England during the reign of King Henry III (1216-1272), when a certain Richard Kempe was listed as a witness in a document dated 1254. Since then, the name has been associated with several prominent figures throughout British history.
One notable figure bearing the name Kemper was Sir William Kemper, who served as the Chief Justice of the Common Pleas during the reign of King Henry VIII (1509-1547). Another notable bearer of this name was John Kemper, a Puritan divine who played a significant role in the English Civil War and served as the president of Magdalen College, Oxford.
Today, Kemper remains a rare but distinguished name, carrying with it a rich history and a strong connection to the past. It is often associated with strength, wisdom, and leadership due to its historical connections with prominent figures in British society. Despite its rarity, Kemper continues to be a popular choice among parents looking for unique and meaningful names for their children.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Kemper has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past century in the United States. From the early 1900s to the 1940s, the number of babies named Kemper ranged from 5 to 17 births per year. However, starting in the late 1940s, there was a notable decline in the usage of this name, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded.
Interestingly, the trend began to reverse in the mid-2000s, with a marked increase in the popularity of the name Kemper. Between 2004 and 2009, there were more than 50 births each year for babies named Kemper, reaching a peak of 70 births in 2009. This surge in popularity continued through the early 2010s, with over 40 births per year recorded between 2010 and 2017.
Despite a slight dip in recent years, with 24 births in 2019, 26 births in 2020, and 19 births in 2021, the name Kemper remains relatively popular today. In fact, the most recent data from 2023 shows that there were 32 births for babies named Kemper in the United States.
Overall, while the popularity of the name Kemper has fluctuated over the past century, it is clear that this name has had periods of significant popularity and continues to be chosen by parents today. With a total of 1558 babies named Kemper born in the United States since 1912, this name has undoubtedly left its mark on American naming trends.