Karima

“generous, noble” — Associated with the virtue of selflessness

Arabic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#8260US 2023

13Births / yr

↑Rising

1.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 196700

How to pronounce Karima

KER·ee·MAH

/ˈkɛr.iː.ˈmɑ/ · stress on KER · 3 syllables

“generous, noble”

Associated with the virtue of selflessness · Arabic origin

What does Karima mean and where does it come from?

Karima (كَرِيمَة) is a feminine name of Arabic origin that signifies generosity and nobility. It is widely used in Arab countries and among Muslim communities worldwide. The name carries cultural significance, often associated with the virtue of selflessness. Variations of the name exist, such as Ka

Cultural significance

Karima has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of generous, noble.

Peak popularity

Reached #1657 in 1976 — currently #8260 in the US.

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How else can you spell Karima?

Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive

Karimah

Spelling variant

What middle names flow best with Karima?

Karima works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Karima Grace

How popular is Karima right now?

Rising fast — up 520 spots — currently #8260 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1970–2023#8260 · Top 6.1%

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#8260	13	▲ up 520 · +8% births
2022	#8780	12	▼ down 962 · -14% births
2021	#7818	14	▼ down 1467 · -22% births
2020	#6351	18	▲ up 3278 · +64% births
2015	#9629	11	▼ down 3587 · -50% births
2010	#6042	22	▼ down 383
2005	#5659	22	▼ down 284 · +5% births
2000	#5375	21	▼ down 2327 · -45% births
1995	#3048	38	▼ down 424 · -16% births
1990	#2624	45	▲ up 1773 · +150% births
1985	#4397	18	▼ down 2019 · -56% births
1980	#2378	41	▼ down 247
1975	#2131	41	▲ up 4141 · +413% births
1970	#6272	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Karima

Best Year1975Rank #2131

Peak Count45

Average Rank#5626

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1970 - 202314 years

The story of Karima

Karima is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1967. With 1,411 total births recorded, Karima remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #6272 in 1970, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #8260 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Karima in 1976:

Jennifer Amy Melissa Heather Angela

Karima by decade

Karima peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	13
1970s ★	389
1980s	293
1990s	324
2000s	217
2010s	157
2020s	18

💎With 1,411 total births, Karima is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Karima?

Common

KarKarieKaryIma

Famous people named Karima

Karima (Quranic figure)

Karima appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Karima (historical Arab ruler)

Karima held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Karima (Sufi mystic)

Karima used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

Karima (Islamic scholar)

Karima bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

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What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Karima?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karima also consider these

Kasima

Arabic · لائقة, متوافقة

Kalima

Arabic · Arabic

Karema

Arabic · Generous, charitable.

Karimah

Arabic · generous, noble, or

Yarima

Arabic · Arabic

Karizma

American · Derived from the

Katima

Namibia · Khoisan

Fatima

Arabic · Captivating.

How is Karima written in other languages?

كريمة

Arabic

What are the boy versions of Karima?

Kareem ARABIC Karim ARABIC Karim PERSIAN Kerem TURKISH Kerim TURKISH

Common questions about the name Karima

What does the name Karima mean?

Karima means "generous, 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 Karima?

Karima is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Karima?

Karima 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 Karima?

Karima is a three-syllable name pronounced K EH1 R IY0 M AA1. 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 Karima?

Karima 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.