Holding steady.
Popularity of Kalimah since 1975
Babies named Kalimah per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 23 |
| 1980s | 37 |
| 1990s | 57 |
| 2000s | 37 |
| 2010s | 15 |
| 2020s | 5 |
Meaning & origin
Kalimah is a rare and deeply meaningful Arabic name, first recorded in U.S. data in 1975. Although it has never appeared in the national rankings, its peak year of usage was also 1975, suggesting a small but steady presence among families drawn to its religious significance. The name's trajectory has been stable, with no notable uptick or decline in recent decades. In the 1970s, when it first appeared, it maintained a consistent but very low frequency. Because the name is so uncommon, its top states list is empty, meaning it has never concentrated enough in any single state to register. For parents seeking a name with a strong spiritual connotation and a unique sound, Kalimah offers a distinctive choice that remains rare.
Kalimah is directly derived from the Arabic word كَلِمَة (kalima), meaning 'word' or 'utterance'. In Islamic tradition, 'Kalimah' refers specifically to the Shahada, the declaration of faith, and thus carries strong religious connotations. The name has been used in Arabic-speaking communities for centuries, often as a given name for girls.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kali, Lima
Sibling names for Kalimah
Names that share Kalimah's style, for a brother or sister.
