Rising since 1986, #1,609 for boys today.
Popularity of Karam since 1977
Babies named Karam per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 14 |
| 1980s | 18 |
| 1990s | 85 |
| 2000s | 196 |
| 2010s | 699 |
| 2020s | 619 |
Meaning & origin
Karam is an Arabic name meaning generosity or graciousness, rooted in the triconsonantal root k-r-m that also yields Karim and the divine name Al-Karim. In the United States, the name first appeared in Social Security records in 1977 and has been steadily rising in use since 1986. By 2025, it reached rank 1609, with roughly 1 in 16,267 newborn boys named Karam. Its peak year so far was 2024, indicating continued growth. The name has strong regional concentrations in Michigan, Illinois, and Ohio, suggesting a connection to communities of Arab or Muslim heritage. Karam remains a name that directly evokes a highly valued virtue in Islamic culture, making it both a meaningful and increasingly popular choice.
Karam derives from the Arabic root ك-ر-م (k-r-m), which conveys honor, generosity, and abundance. It is closely related to the name Karim (generous) and the divine attribute Al-Karim (the Most Generous). The name has been used across the Arabic-speaking world for centuries, often chosen to reflect a hoped-for virtue of magnanimity.
Where Karam is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Karam” around the world
Where Karam lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
45
babies in 2024
Ireland
3
babies in 2025
Quebec
8
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kari, Kamo
Sibling names for Karam
Names that share Karam's style, for a brother or sister.
