Kareem
Gender: Boy
Meaning: Generous, noble, or honorable
Origin: Arabic
Popularity: Ranked #702 in 2025 with 383 babies born.
History: Kareem derives from the Arabic 'karim,' meaning generous, noble, or honorable. Al-Karim is one of the 99 names of God in Islam, meaning the Most Generous. The name is widely used across the Arab world and among Muslim communities globally. Basketball Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, born Lew Alcindor, adopted the name upon converting to Islam in 1971 and became one of its most recognizable bearers.
Name length: 6 letters
How common is Kareem? About 1 in 8,691 babies born in 2025 were named Kareem, or roughly 1 per day in the United States.
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Frequently asked about Kareem
What does the name Kareem mean?
Kareem means “Generous, noble, or honorable” from Arabic roots.
What is the origin of the name Kareem?
Kareem has Arabic origin. The traditional meaning is “Generous, noble, or honorable”.
How popular is Kareem?
Kareem ranked #701 in 2025 — given to 383 babies that year.
When was Kareem most popular?
Kareem peaked in 1980 with 459 babies registered that year.
Is Kareem a boy or girl name?
Kareem is predominantly a boys' name — over 90% of Kareems in registered births are male.
Is the name Kareem rising or falling in popularity?
Kareem has fallen 63 spots in the rankings over the last 5 years — from #638 in 2020 to #701 in 2025.
How long has Kareem been recorded?
Kareem appears in birth records across 59 years — from 1964 through 2025.