MallowbyNames

Kaheem

kah-HEEM · Of uncertain origin; possibly a variant of Kareem or Hakim, or a modern coinage.

2025 rank (boys)
#9,714
Babies named in 2025
7
Peak popularity
1989
2025 frequency
1 in 244,011 boys
Usually for
Boys
Trend
Declining since 1990

Declining since 1990, #9,714 for boys today.

Popularity of Kaheem since 1980

Babies named Kaheem per year in U.S. Social Security records.

71320198020002020Most births 1989Boys
Data table (by decade)
DecadeBoys
1980s53
1990s112
2000s96
2010s62
2020s54

Meaning & origin

Kaheem is a rare name in the United States, first recorded in 1980. It reached its highest popularity in 1989, with a slow decline in use since 1990. Today, approximately 1 in every 244,011 newborn boys is named Kaheem, placing it at rank 9714. While it has no strong regional ties, the name's distinctive sound and possible connections to Arabic roots like Kareem give it a multicultural appeal. Its trajectory suggests it remains an uncommon but recognizable choice for families seeking a modern-sounding name with a touch of individuality.

Kaheem is a name with unclear roots. It may be a respelling or variant of Kareem, an Arabic name meaning 'generous,' or Hakim, meaning 'wise' or 'ruler.' Alternatively, it could be a modern American coinage combining popular sounds from names like Kaiden or Jahiim. It first appeared in U.S. records in the 1980s and saw modest use, peaking in 1989.

Nicknames & variants

Nicknames: Kae, Heem

Variants: Kahim, Kaheam

Sibling names for Kaheem

Names that share Kaheem's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Kaiya, Amira, Zuri, Nia, Jada

Brothers: Kareem, Jabari, Malik, DeAndre, Xavier

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

K is for Kaheem, our favorite little boy.

K is for Kaheem…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Kaheem's letter becomes Kaheem's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Kaheem's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Kaheem mean?
The meaning of Kaheem is uncertain. It may be a variant of Kareem (generous) or Hakim (wise), or a modern invented name.
How popular is the name Kaheem?
Kaheem was ranked 9714th in the U.S. in latest estimates, with about 1 in every 244,011 newborn boys given the name in recent years.
Is Kaheem a boy or girl name?
Kaheem is predominantly used for boys in U.S. birth records.