Kareem, of Arabic origin, is derived from the word 'karim,' which means noble or generous. It gained popularity worldwide due to its association with notable figures like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, a legendary NBA player and social activist. This moniker signifies elegance and magnanimity, making it an appealing choice for parents seeking unique yet meaningful names.
The name Kareem experienced a peak in popularity during the mid-1970s with an average of around 15 births per year between 1974 and 1978. However, this popularity declined significantly afterwards, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded from 1979 onwards, except for a brief spike in 1980 with 21 births. Overall, there have been a total of 198 births named Kareem since 1972.