Rising since 2006, #4,249 for boys today.
Popularity of Kadeem since 1988
Babies named Kadeem per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 248 |
| 1990s | 1,774 |
| 2000s | 216 |
| 2010s | 273 |
| 2020s | 133 |
Meaning & origin
Kadeem first appeared on the U.S. baby name charts in 1988, a time when names with Arabic roots like Jamal and Malik were gaining traction in African American communities. Its peak year came in 1991, when it ranked 4249, and though it declined in the following decades, it has been rising again since 2006. In 2025, Kadeem was given to about 1 in every 71,170 boys, reflecting its continued but modest use. The name shows a strong regional association with Florida, which has been its top state. Kadeem is a modern, culturally resonant choice that carries a sense of generosity and nobility.
Kadeem is a variant of the Arabic name Kadim, which derives from the root k-d-m, associated with concepts of generosity and nobility. The name entered American usage in the late 20th century, likely influenced by the popularization of African American naming practices that draw on Arabic and Islamic cultural elements.
Where Kadeem is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kade, Dee
Variants: Kadim, Qadeem
Sibling names for Kadeem
Names that share Kadeem's style, for a brother or sister.
