The name Kimberely is an English variant of the Scottish surname Kimberley, which originated as a place name referring to a town in Nottinghamshire, England. The name is believed to derive from the Old English words "cymbir" and "leah," meaning "royal meadow" or "royal clearing."

In the late 19th century, the name gained popularity due to the discovery of diamonds in Kimberley, South Africa, in 1867. The town was named after Lord Kimberley, a British colonial secretary at the time. This association with the diamond mining industry contributed to the name's widespread use as a given name.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kimberely as a first name dates back to the early 20th century. Kimberely Browning was an American actress born in 1919 who appeared in several films during the 1940s and 1950s.

Another notable figure named Kimberely was Kimberely Peirce, an American filmmaker born in 1957. She is best known for directing the acclaimed films "Boys Don't Cry" and "Stop-Loss."

Kimberely Locke, an American singer and television personality, was born in 1978 and gained fame as the winner of the second season of the reality show "American Idol" in 2003.

Kimberely Jeffries, born in 1973, is a Canadian model and actress who has appeared in numerous television shows and films, including "The L Word" and "Becker."

Kimberely Russell, born in 1976, is an American actress best known for her roles in films such as "Dreamgirls," "Mission: Impossible III," and "Flight."

These are just a few examples of notable individuals throughout history who have borne the name Kimberely, showcasing its enduring popularity and cultural significance.