Holding steady.
Popularity of Kalima since 1975
Babies named Kalima per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 26 |
| 1980s | 43 |
| 1990s | 36 |
| 2000s | 16 |
| 2010s | 10 |
| 2020s | 11 |
Meaning & origin
Kalima is a rare Arabic name meaning 'word', and it has never broken into the U.S. top 1000. Data from 2025 shows no rank and a 1-in-N figure of zero, indicating fewer than 5 births per year nationally. Its peak year was 1984, when it saw slightly higher usage, but overall the name has been consistently rare. The trajectory is stable, with no signs of a revival. Kalima is a unique and meaningful choice for families seeking a name with Quranic resonance, though it remains virtually unknown outside of Arabic-speaking or Muslim communities.
Kalima comes directly from the Arabic word كَلِمَة (kalima), meaning 'word' or 'utterance'. It is a Quranic term, appearing in the phrase 'Kalimat Allah' (the Word of God). As a given name, it has been used modestly in Muslim communities, though it is far less common than related names like Kalim or Kalima itself.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kali, Lima
Sibling names for Kalima
Names that share Kalima's style, for a brother or sister.
