Kareema Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: kuh-REE-mah /kəˈriːmə/
Origin: Arabic; Swahili
Meaning: Arabic: Generous; Swahili: Noble
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Kareema has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "karīm," which means "generous" or "noble." This etymology reflects a significant cultural value in many Arabic-speaking societies, where generosity and nobility are highly esteemed traits. The name has been transliterated into various forms as it spread across different cultures and languages, maintaining its core meaning while adapting to local phonetics and script.
In the context of English, Kareema entered through the influence of Arabic culture, especially during periods of trade and cultural exchange, such as the Middle Ages when Arabic scholarship and literature were highly regarded in Europe. Historically, the name Kareema can be associated with various notable figures in Islamic history, where the qualities of generosity and nobility were often celebrated.
While specific historical milestones directly linked to the name may be less documented, the broader cultural significance of generosity in Islamic teachings, particularly in the context of charity and community support, has been a vital aspect of the name's resonance. The 7th century saw the rise of Islam, during which the values associated with names like Kareema were emphasized in religious texts and teachings, reinforcing their importance in society.
Culturally, the name Kareema embodies ideals that have transcended generations, often symbolizing a person's character and moral standing. In many communities, names are chosen not only for their sound but also for their meaning and the virtues they represent.
The name may also have diminutive forms or variations, such as Kareemah, which further reflect its roots and significance. Overall, Kareema stands as a testament to the enduring values of generosity and nobility within Arabic culture and beyond.
Famous people named Kareema
In this section, you will find notable people named Kareema. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Kareema who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Kareema who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Kareema McGhee is a professional basketball player best known for her time with the Chicago Sky and the Atlanta Dream.
Kareema Abdul-Jabbar is a former professional basketball player best known for her career in the WNBA and her contributions to women's sports.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Kareema, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Kareema. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Kareema was first seen in the United States in 1972.
Kareema has ranked as high as #1088 nationally, which occurred in 1984, and has been most popular in Pennsylvania, New York, and New Jersey.
In the past 5 years the name Kareema has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Kareema is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Kareema was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Kareema (2011)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 5 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Kareema.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 6 |
| 2017 | 9 |
| 2014 | 7 |
| 2013 | 6 |
| 2012 | 5 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2010 | 11 |
| 2009 | 16 |
| 2008 | 12 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2006 | 11 |
| 2005 | 9 |
| 2004 | 13 |
| 2003 | 15 |
| 2002 | 16 |
| 2001 | 19 |
| 2000 | 19 |
| 1999 | 16 |
| 1998 | 17 |
| 1997 | 25 |
| 1996 | 23 |
| 1995 | 29 |
| 1994 | 29 |
| 1993 | 23 |
| 1992 | 33 |
| 1991 | 19 |
| 1990 | 30 |
| 1989 | 23 |
| 1988 | 23 |
| 1987 | 15 |
| 1986 | 17 |
| 1985 | 21 |
| 1984 | 34 |
| 1983 | 21 |
| 1982 | 23 |
| 1981 | 27 |
| 1980 | 23 |
| 1979 | 20 |
| 1978 | 20 |
| 1977 | 15 |
| 1976 | 17 |
| 1975 | 18 |
| 1974 | 9 |
| 1973 | 10 |
| 1972 | 11 |