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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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Karima?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
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
Most popular combo · classic
Karima Rose
Floral · soft ending
Karima Mae
Sweet · timeless
Karima Claire
French influence · crisp
Karima Jane
Literary · strong
Karima Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Karima right now?
Rising fast — up 520 spots — currently #8260 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Karima by decade
| 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?
Famous people named Karima
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Karima (Quranic figure)
Karima appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
K(
Karima (historical Arab ruler)
Karima held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
K(
Karima (Sufi mystic)
Karima used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
K(
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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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Karima?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Karima also consider these
How is Karima written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Karima?
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.