Declining since 2018, #8,243 for boys today.
Popularity of Kalem since 1974
Babies named Kalem per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 39 |
| 1980s | 126 |
| 1990s | 184 |
| 2000s | 209 |
| 2010s | 286 |
| 2020s | 121 |
Meaning & origin
Kalem is a modern American coinage that first appeared on the U.S. Social Security Administration's records in 1974, reflecting a broader trend of inventive names beginning with the letter 'K.' Its usage has been modest; in 2025, it ranked 8,243, with about 1 in 189,786 newborn boys receiving the name. The name experienced its peak popularity in 2017, but since 2018 its trajectory has been falling. Kalem has not been concentrated in any particular U.S. state, suggesting a scattered but consistent presence. As a contemporary creation, it lacks deep historical roots, allowing parents to imbue it with personal significance.
Kalem first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1974, suggesting a modern coinage. It may have been formed by combining the popular initial 'K' with the suffix '-lem', reminiscent of names like Kaleb or Kalen. Alternatively, it could be a variant spelling of the Irish name Calum or the Arabic name Kalem (meaning 'pen'), though no direct evidence supports this connection. The name has seen modest use in the United States, peaking in 2017.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kal, Lem
Sibling names for Kalem
Names that share Kalem's style, for a brother or sister.
