Surname Kims - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kims: What does the surname Kims mean?
The last name "Kims" is of Korean origin and is an Anglicized version of the Korean surname "Kim". The name Kim is one of the oldest and most common surnames in Korea with one in five Koreans bearing this name. The name "Kim" means "Gold, metal, iron, or great" in Korean, signifying strength and stability. It is worth noting that not all Kims are related. Historically, people in Korea adopted surnames based on their social status, locality, or to signify allegiance to a particular leader. Furthermore, different Kim families have different ancestral lineages known as "Bon-gwan", indicating the region their ancestors were from. Some of the prominent Kim clans in Korea include Gimhae Kim, Andong Kim, and Gyeongju Kim clans. Besides, the name Kim has also played a significant role in Korean history with many renowned figures bearing the name including rulers, scholars, and businessmen.
Order DNA origin analysisKims: Where does the name Kims come from?
The last name Kims primarily originates from Korea, given that Kim is the most common surname in the Korean Peninsula. It is derived from the Chinese word for "gold," signifying strength and wealth. Despite being used by different clans, many Korean Kims are from three main clans: the Kim of Gimhae, the Kim of Gyeongju, and the Kim of Andong. Today, it remains the most common surname in both South Korea and North Korea.
Outside Korea, the surname Kims is also found among some populations in Vietnam. It's important to note that the spelling may vary based on romanization systems. Today, due to Korean diaspora, the surname can be found in various countries around the world, especially in the United States, Canada, and other nations with significant Korean immigrant populations. Despite the surname's frequency, not all Kims are closely related, as the title was adopted by various different clans and families throughout history.
Variations of the surname Kims
The surname Kims likely originates from multiple different sources, and may be a variation of a number of different names. This makes it somewhat difficult to definitively trace the origins and variations.
For example, one possibility is that Kims is a variant of "Kim," a Korean surname. It's one of the most common surnames in Korea, meaning 'gold'. Besides Kim, it might also be written as Gim or Yim in English.
In Western context, it could be a variant of the very common surname 'Kemp', meaning warrior or athlete in Old English. Variations may include Kemps, Kempe or Kemper.
Also, Kims may have been altered from the German name Kühn, meaning 'bold' or 'brave', with variations like Kuehn, Kuehne or Kuhns.
Moreover, it could be a spelling variant of the Dutch surname Kamps, meaning 'from the camp', with possible variants like Camps, Kemps or Kempen.
Finally, it could be a variation of the Hebrew name 'Kemesh' meaning sun. The English versions might be Kimes or Kime.
However, without a specific geographic or ethnic context, it's difficult to determine which variations and spellings of Kims are most probable.
Famous people with the name Kims
- Kim Kardashian: American media personality, model, and businesswomen. She is best known for her reality television series Keeping Up With the Kardashians.
- Kim Jong-un: Supreme Leader of North Korea and current Chairman of the Workers' Party of Korea.
- Kim Basinger: American actress, singer, and model, who won an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in LA Confidential.
- Kim Nam-joon, better known by his stage name RM: South Korean rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer and is the leader of the South Korean boy band BTS.
- Kim Yuna: South Korean figure skater, recognized as the most successful figure skater in South Korea. She is the 2010 Olympic champion and 2014 silver medalist in ladies' singles; the 2009, 2013 World champion.
- Kim Woo-bin: South Korean model and actor. He gained recognition for his roles in the television series A Gentleman's Dignity (2012) and The Heirs (2013).
- Kim Hee-sook: South Korean actress. She is best known for her leading roles in television dramas such as Loving You (2002), Truth (2008), Too Late to Say I Love You (2010), and My Daughter Seo-young (2013.
- Kim Soo-hyun: South Korean actor best known for his roles in the television dramas Dream High (2011), The Moon Embracing the Sun (2012), My Love from the Star (2013), The Producers (2015).
- Kim Tak-goo: South Korean actor from Boys before Flowers, as well as Take Off and Tree With Deep Roots.
- Kim Hyun-joong: South Korean actor, singer, and dancer, best known for his lead roles in the Korean dramas Boys Over Flowers (2009), Playful Kiss (2010), and Inspiring Generation (2014).