Kareem
Kareem is a boy name of Arabic origin meaning “Generous, noble”, pronounced kah-REEM. It ranked #702 in the United States in 2025, given to 383 babies, and peaked at #367 in 1977. Common nicknames: Kari, Reem.
How popular is Kareem in the United States?
Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA). Based on all Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
What does Kareem mean, and where does it come from?
Kareem comes from the Arabic karim, "generous" or "noble" — al-Karim is one of the ninety-nine names of God, and the word carries a specific sense of open-handedness rather than mere wealth. Its American history runs through basketball: Lew Alcindor took the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971, and the name entered the top thousand the following year, peaking in 1977 in the middle of his Los Angeles years. It remains a common name across the Arab world and in Black American families.
How is Kareem used around the world?
Kareem is used in 0 languages worldwide, with 1+ international variants.
TypeMale given name
Linguistic data: Wikidata (CC0). Variants and language usage may vary by region.
What are the nicknames for Kareem?
Famous People Named Kareem
- Kareem Abdul-Jabbar — American basketball player and six-time NBA Most Valuable Player
- Karim Benzema — French footballer and Ballon d'Or winner, in the Karim spelling
- Kareem Hunt — American football running back
Similar Names to Kareem
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Sibling Name Ideas for Kareem
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does the name Kareem mean?
Kareem is a boy name of Arabic origin meaning "Generous, noble." Kareem comes from the Arabic karim, "generous" or "noble" — al-Karim is one of the ninety-nine names of God, and the word carries a specific sense of open-handedness rather than mere wealth. Its American history runs through basketball: Lew Alcindor took the name Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in 1971, and the name entered the top thousand the following year, peaking in 1977 in the middle of his Los Angeles years.
How do you pronounce Kareem?
Kareem is pronounced kah-REEM. Common variations include Karim, Kerim, Kareim.
Is Kareem a boy name?
Yes, Kareem is traditionally a boy name. Popular nicknames include Kari, Reem.