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Kareem Boy

Popularity: #563 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kuh-REEM //kəˈriːm//

Origin: Arabic

Meaning: Generous; noble

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Kareem has its roots in the Arabic language, derived from the word "karīm" (كريم), which means "generous" or "noble." This term has been used in various contexts throughout Arabic literature and culture, often associated with qualities of kindness and hospitality. The name entered English through the influence of Arabic culture and language, particularly during the periods of trade and scholarship in the Middle Ages, as well as through the spread of Islam from the 7th century onward.

Historically, the name Kareem has been borne by notable figures in Islamic history, including various scholars and leaders who exemplified the virtues of generosity and nobility. The name is also mentioned in Islamic texts, where it is often used to describe Allah, emphasizing His attributes of generosity and benevolence.

The significance of the name is further underscored by its appearance in various cultural and religious contexts, including poetry and prose that celebrate the ideals of generosity and honor. Culturally, Kareem resonates with values that are deeply embedded in Arab and Islamic traditions, where hospitality and generosity are considered paramount virtues.

The name has been embraced across different cultures and languages, often retaining its original meaning and significance. In addition, diminutive forms such as "Karim" are also used, reflecting a common practice in Arabic naming conventions to create affectionate or familiar versions of names.

This enduring legacy highlights the name's association with positive traits and its role in cultural identity.

Famous people named Kareem

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a former professional basketball player best known for his time with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning six NBA championships and being the all-time leading scorer in NBA history.
Kareem Hunt is a professional American football player best known for playing as a running back for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cleveland Browns.
Kareem Elgazzar is a professional photographer best known for his work in sports photography and portraiture.

Fictional characters named Kareem

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is a fictional character from the TV show The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. He is a famous basketball player who makes a guest appearance, providing wisdom and guidance to the main characters.

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U.S. Historical Usage

The name Kareem was first seen in the United States in 1964. Kareem has ranked as high as #698 nationally, which occurred in 1980, and has been most popular in New York, Pennsylvania, California, Florida, and Michigan. In the past 5 years the name Kareem has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Kareem (2024)

State Births Share
TX 40
11%
CA 38
11%
MI 36
10%
FL 24
7%
IL 24
7%
NY 20
6%
VA 20
6%
PA 15
4%
NC 14
4%
IN 13
4%
WI 13
4%
GA 13
4%
OH 10
3%
NV 9
3%
MD 9
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19648
19665
19675
197012
197144
1972378
1973242
1974326
1975417
1976380
1977449
1978361
1979358
1980459
1981317
1982319
1983313
1984246
1985279
1986254
1987292
1988289
1989298
1990312
1991334
1992348
1993317
1994357
1995293
1996301
1997295
1998313
1999300
2000303
2001324
2002316
2003299
2004346
2005294
2006303
2007314
2008309
2009314
2010334
2011306
2012311
2013352
2014315
2015334
2016345
2017352
2018346
2019386
2020419
2021382
2022406
2023442
2024403