Rising since 1985, #701 for boys today.
Popularity of Kareem since 1964
Babies named Kareem per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 18 |
| 1970s | 2,967 |
| 1980s | 3,066 |
| 1990s | 3,168 |
| 2000s | 3,122 |
| 2010s | 3,382 |
| 2020s | 2,438 |
Meaning & origin
Kareem first entered U.S. records in 1964 and reached its peak popularity in 1977, when it ranked 701st. Since 1985, the name has been steadily rising in use, with a trajectory indicating growing appeal in recent years. The name is most common in Michigan, Illinois, and New Jersey, reflecting communities with significant Arab American populations. With a current 1-in-4,460 rate, Kareem remains distinctly chosen, offering strong cultural resonance and a clear, noble meaning.
Kareem is the English transliteration of the Arabic name Karim (كريم), derived from the root k-r-m, which conveys generosity, nobility, and honor. It is one of the attributes of God in Islam (al-Karim) and has been used as a given name across the Muslim world for centuries. The name gained wider recognition in the United States during the 20th century, particularly through the fame of basketball player Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Where Kareem is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Kareem” around the world
Where Kareem lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
Ireland
4
babies in 2025
Sources: CSO Ireland (Ireland).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kare, Reem
Sibling names for Kareem
Names that share Kareem's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Aisha, Fatima, Layla, Zahra, Mariam, Yasmine, Hanan, Kareena, Nakisha, Shatara, Takiyah, Chaundra, Kemoni, Laniece, Lashea, Neisha, Shakeema, Deisha, Jameah, Kadedra, Kashawna, Nafeesah, Shekia, Tarnisha, Kimisha, Zakeya, Aafiya, Feleshia, Jameeka, Jimeka, Kalimah, Latayna, Shakeyla, Tarena, Teosha
Brothers: Hassan, Hussein, Amir, Omar, Jamal, Jaleel, Jamall, Lamarr, Nazir, Rahim, Rasheem, Tyquan, Jamare, Katrell, Khaliq, Malick, Rahiem, Rashan, Sahib, Shaheem, Shareef, Adib, Aladdin, Andray, Antar, Fadel, Jahrell, Jerelle, Kaheem, Kaleel, Kamir, Khalel, Khalik, Kinan, Lamel, Mishawn, Muneer, Shabazz, Wissam, Ashir, Fateh, Jameek, Karnell, Khaleef, Shaquelle, Tawfiq
Names like Kareem
Names whose popularity has moved with Kareem's over the last 50 years.
