Declining since 2019, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Aleem since 1974
Babies named Aleem per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2014, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Aleem's real moment was 2020.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 30 |
| 1980s | 89 |
| 1990s | 106 |
| 2000s | 113 |
| 2010s | 155 |
| 2020s | 72 |
Meaning & origin
Aleem is an Arabic name meaning 'scholar' or 'wise'. It entered U.S. naming records in 1974 and has since maintained a moderate presence, with its highest usage in 2020 when it ranked 8,243rd. The name has been gradually declining from that peak, with a trajectory since 2019 showing a downward trend. Despite this, Aleem remains a distinctive choice that carries a strong cultural and intellectual resonance, particularly within Muslim communities. Its understated popularity (1 in 189,786 births in 2025) means it avoids common name rankings while still being recognizable.
Aleem derives from the Arabic root '-l-m', meaning 'knowledge' or 'learning'. It is related to 'alim' (scholar) and 'Allamah' (a highly learned person). As a personal name, Aleem is used across the Muslim world, reflecting a cultural value placed on education and wisdom.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Lee
Sibling names for Aleem
Names that share Aleem's style, for a brother or sister.
