Find out how popular the first name Kemp has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Kemp by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Kemp is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 13 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Kemp.

The history of the first name Kemp

The name Kemp has its origins in the Old English word "cempa," which means "warrior" or "champion." This name was prevalent among Anglo-Saxon communities in England during the Middle Ages.

Kemp is believed to have been derived from the Old English word "camp," meaning "battle" or "contest." It was a name given to those who exhibited bravery and strength in combat or competitions.

In ancient Germanic cultures, names were often chosen to reflect desired qualities or achievements. The name Kemp was likely bestowed upon individuals who had proven their valor in battle or contests of skill.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kemp can be found in the Domesday Book, a survey of landowners in England commissioned by William the Conqueror in 1086. The name appears in various spellings, including "Cempe" and "Kempe."

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kemp. One of the most famous was John Kemp (c. 1380-1454), an English cardinal and Lord Chancellor of England during the reign of Henry VI.

Another prominent figure was Sir Nicholas Kemp (c. 1504-1589), an English soldier and naval commander who served under King Henry VIII and Queen Elizabeth I. He played a significant role in the naval campaigns against the Spanish Armada.

In the realm of literature, Kemp was the last name of William Kemp (c. 1560-1619), an English actor and comic playwright who was a member of Shakespeare's acting company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men.

In the field of sports, Jack Kemp (1935-2009) was an American professional football player and politician who served as a Congressman and as the 9th United States Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.

Lastly, Shawn Kemp (born 1969) is a former American professional basketball player who played in the NBA for several teams, including the Seattle SuperSonics, where he was a six-time NBA All-Star.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Kemp, a name steeped in the tradition of strength, valor, and achievement.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Kemp was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Kemp, please contact us.

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