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Kim K Reveals Why She Became 'Kim' Not Kimberly
5 Dec, 2025
Summary
- Kim Kardashian adopted the name 'Kim' for her reality show.
- She desired a career in reality television since age 11.
- The family's E! series aired for 14 years and 20 seasons.
Kim Kardashian recently shared the origin of her iconic nickname, explaining that she was originally known as Kimberly. When her family's reality show "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" was greenlit in 2007, she decided to shorten her name for the on-screen chyron.
She found "Kimberly Kardashian" too lengthy for television introductions and opted for the more concise "Kim." Despite this public persona, she noted that many close friends and family members, including her father, continue to call her Kimberly.
Kardashian also expressed a long-held passion for reality television, dating back to her childhood. Inspired by shows like MTV's "The Real World" at age 11, she harbored dreams of starring in such a program. This childhood aspiration ultimately led to the creation of her family's successful reality television empire.
