Kemper is a unique and distinctive name of English origin. It is derived from the Middle English word "kam", which means "crooked" or "bent". The name was likely given to individuals who had a limp, walked with a slight hunch, or were otherwise physically distinctive.
The name Kemper is believed to have first appeared in England during the Middle Ages. It was not a particularly common name, but it was used occasionally throughout the centuries. In some cases, the name may have been given as a nickname to individuals who were perceived as being cunning or deceitful, reflecting the older meaning of "crooked" as dishonest.
Today, Kemper is still a relatively rare name, but it continues to be used by families who appreciate its unique sound and historical significance. It is often chosen for its distinctive character, rather than for any specific meaning or association with particular cultural traditions or traits. Despite its uncommon status, Kemper has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, including American politician John Kemper (1795-1873) and Australian cricketer Ian Kemper (born 1960).
The name Kemper has seen a varied trend of popularity over the years in the United States, with fluctuations in the number of births each year.
From 1999 to 2023, there have been a total of 262 babies named Kemper born in the United States. The earliest recorded birth was in 1999, with 6 babies given the name Kemper that year. This number remained consistent until 2003, when another 6 births were recorded.
The popularity of the name began to increase slightly from 2005 onwards, with 7 births recorded that year, followed by a peak of 8 births in both 2007 and 2008. This upward trend continued into 2011, with 13 babies named Kemper born that year.
However, the following year saw a decrease in popularity, with only 6 births recorded in 2012. The name's popularity rebounded in 2013 and 2014, with 18 and 23 births respectively. This was followed by a dip in 2015, with 11 births.
Since then, the number of babies named Kemper has remained relatively stable, with fluctuations between 13 and 17 births per year from 2016 to 2019. The most recent data shows an increase in popularity again, with 20 births recorded in 2021 and 27 births in 2023.
Overall, while the name Kemper has not been consistently popular over the years, it has maintained a steady presence among baby names in the United States.