The name Kimberlee is an English given name derived from the Old English word "cyn" meaning "royal" or "kin," and the word "beorg," meaning "hill" or "fortified place." It is believed to have originated from the region of Kimberly, a town in the northern English county of Norfolk, during the Middle Ages.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Kimberlee can be traced back to the 12th century. In the Domesday Book, a historical manuscript commissioned in 1086 by William the Conqueror, there is a reference to a place called "Kynberia," which is believed to be the precursor to the modern name Kimberley or Kimberlee.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Kimberlee. One of the earliest recorded individuals was Kimberlee de Ingham (1280-1349), an English noblewoman and landowner who held significant property and influence in the county of Norfolk during the 14th century.

Another notable figure was Kimberlee Whetstone (1566-1628), an English merchant and explorer who was part of the early English colonization efforts in North America. He was among the first settlers to establish the Jamestown Colony in Virginia in 1607.

In the realm of literature, Kimberlee Mansfield (1888-1923) was a renowned English novelist and poet known for her works exploring themes of love, loss, and the human condition. Her novel "The Garden Party" is considered a classic of modernist literature.

In more recent times, Kimberlee Meredith (1919-2005) was an influential American civil rights activist and leader in the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). She played a pivotal role in the desegregation efforts in the United States during the mid-20th century.

Lastly, Kimberlee Blackburn (born 1961) is a contemporary Australian singer-songwriter and musician, known for her unique blend of folk, rock, and pop music. Her album "The Forgetting and the Forgotten" received critical acclaim and showcased her poetic lyricism and storytelling abilities.