Kemper
Kemper is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Serf, peasant farmer, or one living near a field.
Origin and history
Kemper originated as a Low German occupational or topographic surname denoting a peasant farmer or someone living near a field (Kemp). In the United States, it is primarily used as a transfer surname given as a masculine first name. Though uncommon, it has maintained a steady presence as a distinctive given name.
Popularity in the United States
1,598 babies in the United States have been named Kemper since 1880. It ranks #3160 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1781.
States where it is most popular
- VA (22.7 %)
- TX (15.1 %)
- KS (14.3 %)
- OH (11.8 %)
- MO (9.2 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 0 |
| 1910-1920 | 63 |
| 1920-1930 | 76 |
| 1930-1940 | 42 |
| 1940-1950 | 78 |
| 1950-1960 | 74 |
| 1960-1970 | 81 |
| 1970-1980 | 56 |
| 1980-1990 | 51 |
| 1990-2000 | 99 |
| 2000-2010 | 380 |
| 2010-2019 | 452 |
| 2020-2029 | 146 |
Famous people named Kemper
- Kemper Knapp: Lawyer, Benefactor
Fun facts
- The name stems from the Middle Low German word 'kempe', which originally referred to a peasant worker or champion.
- Kemper follows the long-standing American tradition of adopting familial surnames as masculine given names.