Kareem is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the name "Karam". The name Karam means "generous" or "noble" in Arabic. It is often associated with the qualities of kindness, benevolence, and compassion.
The name Kareem has a rich history in Islamic culture. It was the middle name of the Prophet Muhammad's grandson, Hasan ibn Ali. Hasan was known for his generosity and kindness, which are qualities that are reflected in the meaning of the name Kareem.
In recent years, the name Kareem has gained popularity outside of the Middle East. It has been used as a given name by families from diverse backgrounds who appreciate its positive connotations. Some notable individuals with the name Kareem include Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a retired American professional basketball player and coach, and Kareem Abdulrahman, a Saudi Arabian footballer.
Overall, the name Kareem is a strong and distinctive choice for a boy's name, with a rich history and positive associations. Its meaning of "generous" or "noble" makes it a thoughtful and inspiring choice for parents looking to give their child a meaningful name.
The name Kareem has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States, with a total of 17,368 births recorded between 1964 and 2023. The name first gained notable recognition in the mid-1970s, with a sharp rise from 44 births in 1971 to 378 births in 1972. This trend continued throughout the late 1970s and early 1980s, reaching a peak of 459 births in 1980.
However, like many names, Kareem's popularity began to decline during the mid-1980s, dropping to a low of 246 births in 1984. Despite this decrease, the name maintained steady popularity throughout the remainder of the decade, with annual birth counts ranging between 250 and 350.
The 1990s saw a resurgence in the popularity of the name Kareem, with birth counts consistently above 300 each year. This trend continued into the early 2000s, with a peak of 441 births recorded in 2023. Throughout this time, the name has shown consistent growth and maintained a significant presence among newborns in the United States.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Kareem has fluctuated over the years, it has remained a staple among American parents, with a total of nearly 17,400 births recorded since 1964. Despite periods of decline, the name has consistently shown resilience and continues to be chosen for newborns in significant numbers.