Hashim is a name of Arabic origin, derived from the root verb "hasara," which means "to praise or glorify." It is often translated to mean "the one who praises God" or "the one who extols God's qualities."
The name Hashim has a significant historical background in Islam. It was the name of the great-grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad, Hashim ibn Abd Manaf. Hashim was a wealthy and influential merchant from Mecca who was known for his generosity and kindness towards the poor and needy.
Hashim ibn Abd Manaf had five sons, one of whom was Abdul-Muttalib, the grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad. Another son, Al-Muttalib, gave his name to the tribe of Hashimites or Alids, which later played a crucial role in Islamic history.
Today, Hashim is still a popular name among Muslims and others around the world who appreciate its historical significance and positive meaning. It is often used as a given name but can also be found as a surname in various cultures. Despite its popularity, it remains relatively uncommon outside of the Middle East and other Muslim-majority regions.
In summary, Hashim is an Arabic name with a rich history that carries a meaningful message of praise and glorification. Its association with prominent figures in Islamic history adds to its cultural significance and appeal.
The name Hashim has seen varied popularity over the past five decades in the United States. In the early 1970s, it started with a low of six births in 1971, but it gained traction quickly, reaching seventeen births in 1972. The name maintained this level of popularity through the mid-1970s, peaking at twenty-six births in 1975.
However, the late 1970s and early 1980s saw a decline in the number of babies named Hashim, with as few as ten births in 1984. This trend continued into the mid-1980s, but by the late 1980s, there was a resurgence, with twenty-four births in 1989.
The 1990s and early 2000s saw a steady increase in the popularity of the name Hashim. In 2006, it reached forty-four births, and this upward trend continued, reaching ninety births in 2016. The popularity of the name remained high throughout the late 2010s, with seventy-seven births in 2018 and eighty births in 2019.
Interestingly, despite the fluctuations in popularity over the decades, the total number of babies named Hashim in the United States between 1971 and 2023 is a substantial 1,841. This indicates that while the name may have gone through periods of being less popular, it has consistently held its own as a distinctive and meaningful choice for parents across the country over an extended period.