Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Kareem
BoyArabic· “generous, noble”
- Meaning
- generous, noble
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- kuh-REEM
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #702
- US babies 2025
- 383
- Best rank
- #367 (1977)
- Peak year
- 1980
Meaning and origin of Kareem
Kareem is an Arabic name that means “generous, noble”.
Kareem comes from the Arabic karim, meaning "generous," "noble" or "honorable." Al-Karim, "the Most Generous," is one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islamic tradition, so the name carries a strong sense of dignity and kindness. Kareem is used throughout the Arab world and among Muslim families everywhere. In the United States it is closely associated with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the basketball legend and author. The name has a warm, confident sound and is easy to pronounce in many languages.
Other spellings with the same sound: Karim.
Popularity over time
Kareem first appears in US Social Security records in 1964. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 54 different years, starting in 1972. Its best national rank was #367 in 1977, and the most babies received it in 1980, when 459 were named Kareem. In 2025, 383 babies were named Kareem, and it ranked #702 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #373 in 1980, #620 in 2000, #700 in 2010, and #702 in 2025. Of the 18,161 US boys named Kareem since records began, 19% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 1990s come next, with 3,168 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Antwan, Josh, Reggie, Rodolfo, and Jerod.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Kareem ranked highest in Michigan, Illinois, and New Jersey.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan | #335 | 27 |
| Illinois | #388 | 28 |
| New Jersey | #402 | 20 |
| Maryland | #540 | 9 |
| Georgia | #575 | 18 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Kareem is usually pronounced kuh-REEM, with two syllables. It has six letters, starts with K and ends in “-em”. Names that sound the same but are spelled differently include Karim.
Middle names for Kareem
A few middle names that flow with Kareem: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Kareem
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Lists that include Kareem
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Kareem mean?
Kareem is an Arabic name that means “generous, noble”.
What is the origin of the name Kareem?
Kareem has Arabic roots. Kareem comes from the Arabic karim, meaning "generous," "noble" or "honorable." Al-Karim, "the Most Generous," is one of the ninety-nine names of God in Islamic tradition, so the name carries a strong sense of dignity and kindness.
Is Kareem a popular name?
Yes. Kareem ranked #702 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Kareem a boy or girl name?
Kareem is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Kareem?
Kareem is usually pronounced kuh-REEM. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings