What does Kareem mean and where does it come from?
Kareem is an Arabic name traditionally used for males, meaning 'generous' or 'noble.' However, in some modern adaptations, it is also being embraced as a female name. This reflects the evolving perceptions of gendered names in contemporary society. Kareem is common in Arabic-speaking countries and a
Cultural significance
Kareem has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of generous.
Peak popularity
Reached #675 in 2024 — currently #702 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Kareem?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Kareem?
Kareem works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kareem Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Kareem John
One syllable · timeless choice
Kareem Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Kareem Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Kareem Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Kareem Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Kareem right now?
Declining — down 27 spots — currently #702 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #702 | 383 | ▼ down 27 · -5% births |
| 2024 | #675 | 405 | ▼ down 49 · -8% births |
| 2023 | #626 | 442 | ▲ up 46 · +9% births |
| 2022 | #672 | 406 | ▲ up 24 · +6% births |
| 2021 | #696 | 382 | ▲ up 14797 · +7540% births |
| 2000 | #15493 | 5 | ▼ down 1959 |
| 1990 | #13534 | 5 | ▼ down 2262 |
| 1985 | #11272 | 5 | ▼ down 7460 · -76% births |
| 1980 | #3812 | 21 | ▲ up 274 · +31% births |
| 1975 | #4086 | 16 | — |
The story of Kareem
Kareem is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. A total of 16,323 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4086 in 1975 to #626 in 2023. Kareem is used for both genders: 1% female and 99% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kareem in 2024:
Kareem by decade
Kareem peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 18 | |
| 1970s | 3,086 | |
| 1980s | 3,118 | |
| 1990s | 3,185 | |
| 2000s | 3,125 | |
| 2010s ★ | 3,375 | |
| 2020s | 1,204 | |
What are good nicknames for Kareem?
Famous people named Kareem
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Kareem (Sufi mystic)
Kareem used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Kareem (Quranic figure)
Kareem appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
K(
Kareem (Islamic scholar)
Kareem bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
K(
Kareem (Quranic figure)
Kareem appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Kareem?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kareem also consider these
How is Kareem written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Kareem?
Common questions about the name Kareem
What does the name Kareem mean?
Kareem means "generous" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Kareem?
Kareem is currently ranked #626 as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Kareem have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Kareem?
Kareem originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Kareem?
Kareem is a two-syllable name pronounced ker-EEM. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kareem trending right now?
Kareem is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.