What does Kareema mean and where does it come from?
Kareema is of Arabic origin, derived from the root 'karam,' which means generosity or nobility. It is widely used in Arabic-speaking countries and has been brought to cultures outside the Arab world, particularly in the United States. The name may also be spelled as Karima or Kareema and is often as
Cultural significance
Kareema has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of noble.
Peak popularity
Reached #2775 in 1984 — currently #14650 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kareema?
Kareema works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kareema Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kareema Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kareema Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kareema Claire
French influence · crisp
Kareema Jane
Literary · strong
Kareema Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kareema right now?
Rising fast — up 1213 spots — currently #14650 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2010 | #9971 | 11 | ▲ up 1213 · +22% births |
| 2005 | #11184 | 9 | ▼ down 5383 · -53% births |
| 2000 | #5801 | 19 | ▼ down 2062 · -34% births |
| 1995 | #3739 | 29 | ▼ down 149 · -3% births |
| 1990 | #3590 | 30 | ▲ up 375 · +43% births |
| 1985 | #3965 | 21 | ▼ down 373 · -9% births |
| 1980 | #3592 | 23 | ▲ up 167 · +28% births |
| 1975 | #3759 | 18 | — |
The story of Kareema
Kareema is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1972. With 786 total births recorded, Kareema remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3759 in 1975, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #9971 in 2010.
Names that peaked alongside Kareema in 1984:
Kareema by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 120 | |
| 1980s | 226 | |
| 1990s ★ | 244 | |
| 2000s | 143 | |
| 2010s | 53 | |
💎Kareema has only 786 total recorded births since 1972 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Kareema?
Famous people named Kareema
K(
Kareema (Sufi mystic)
Kareema used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
K(
Kareema (Islamic scholar)
Kareema bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
K(
Kareema (Quranic figure)
Kareema appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
K(
Kareema (Arab poet)
Kareema carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Kareema?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kareema also consider these
Common questions about the name Kareema
What does the name Kareema mean?
Kareema means "Noble" — 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 Kareema?
Kareema is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Kareema?
Kareema 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 Kareema?
Kareema is a four-syllable name pronounced K AA1 R EY1 IY1 M AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Kareema?
Kareema pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.