Holding steady, #12,008 for boys today.
Popularity of Kariem since 1972
Babies named Kariem per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 68 |
| 1980s | 33 |
| 1990s | 27 |
| 2000s | 15 |
| 2010s | 6 |
| 2020s | 10 |
Meaning & origin
Kariem is a variant spelling of the well-known Arabic name Karim, meaning 'generous' or 'noble'. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1972, and its peak popularity came in 1975. In 2025, it ranked 12,008th, with approximately 1 in 341,615 newborn boys receiving the name. The name has maintained a stable trajectory, never entering the top 1,000. It is most commonly used within families of Arabic or Muslim heritage, reflecting a cultural preference for names that carry virtuous meanings.
Kariem is a variant transcription of Karim, derived from the Arabic root k-r-m, meaning 'generous' or 'noble'. It is commonly used across the Arabic-speaking world and in Muslim communities globally. The name has been in use in the United States since the early 1970s.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Kar, Remy
Sibling names for Kariem
Names that share Kariem's style, for a brother or sister.
