UK boy's name
Kalim
A male Arabic name meaning "eloquent speaker" or "one who speaks correctly".
For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2018. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.
Kalim is a boy's name in the UK records. People looking for Kalim popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2018 in this profile. In that release it ranked #4749, with 3 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 1998, with 14 births.
This profile covers 116 England and Wales registrations across 17 recorded years from 1996 to 2018. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.
The latest count is about 21% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.
We estimate that about 115 living people in the UK are called Kalim. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2019 or 2026.
Key insights
- • Kalim ranked #4749 for boys in England and Wales in 2018, with 3 registrations.
- • The name peaked in 1998, when 14 boys were registered as Kalim.
- • About 115 living people in the UK are estimated to have Kalim as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.
Latest rank (E&W)
#4749
2018
Births in 2018
3
Latest year
Peak year
1998
14 births
Estimated living
115
2026
Meaning
What does Kalim mean?
The name Kalim has its origins rooted in the Arabic language and culture. It is derived from the Arabic word "kalima," which means "word" or "speech." This name holds a deep connection to the Islamic faith and its teachings.
One of the earliest recorded mentions of the name Kalim can be found in the Qur'an, the holy book of Islam. In the Qur'an, the name is used as a title for the Prophet Moses, who is referred to as "Kalim-Allah," meaning "the one who spoke with God." This reference highlights the significance of the name and its association with divine communication.
Throughout history, the name Kalim has been borne by several notable figures. One of the earliest examples is Kalim Ali, a renowned Islamic scholar and poet who lived in the 13th century. His works, which focused on Sufism and spiritual enlightenment, have left a lasting impact on Islamic literature.
Another prominent figure with the name Kalim was Kalim Siddiqui, a British Muslim activist and scholar who lived from 1932 to 1996. He was a vocal advocate for the rights of Muslims and played a significant role in shaping the discourse on Islam in the West.
In the realm of literature, Kalim Shujaat, a Pakistani writer and novelist, made a name for himself with his works exploring social and political themes. He was born in 1944 and his literary contributions have been widely recognized in his home country and beyond.
The name Kalim has also been borne by notable figures in the world of sports. Kalim Chowdhury, a Bangladeshi cricketer who played in the 1970s and 1980s, represented his country in numerous international matches and was known for his skill as a right-arm off-break bowler.
Lastly, Kalim Khan, an Indian actor and film producer, has left a mark on the South Asian entertainment industry. Born in 1956, he has appeared in numerous Bollywood films and has also produced several successful movies, showcasing his versatility in the world of cinema.
These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who have carried the name Kalim and made their mark in various fields, from literature and religion to sports and entertainment. The name's rich heritage and profound meaning continue to resonate across cultures, making it a significant part of the global tapestry of names.
Sourced from namecensus.com.
Popularity
Kalim over time
The chart below shows babies named Kalim registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 1996 to 2018. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.
For Kalim, the clearest high point is 1998. The latest England and Wales figure is 3 births in 2018, compared with 14 at the peak.
Babies born per year
Decades
Kalim by decade
Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Kalim was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.
| Decade | Average rank | Total births | Years covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2010s | #4381 | 14 | 4 |
| 2000s | #2170 | 67 | 9 |
| 1990s | #1464 | 35 | 4 |
Related
Names similar to Kalim
- Kieran 30,429
- Kyle 28,463
- Kai 24,432
- Kian 17,666
- Kayden 8,305
- Kevin 7,927
- Kane 7,149
- Kaiden 5,762
- Kieron 4,547
- Kacper 4,366
- Kye 4,012
- Kit 3,529
FAQ
Kalim: questions and answers
How popular is the name Kalim in the UK right now?
In 2018, Kalim was ranked #4749 for boys in England and Wales, with 3 births registered.
When was Kalim most popular?
The peak year on record was 1998, with 14 babies registered as Kalim in England and Wales.
What is the meaning and origin of Kalim?
A male Arabic name meaning "eloquent speaker" or "one who speaks correctly".
How many people are called Kalim in the UK?
A total of 116 babies have been registered as Kalim across the 17 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.
Which records is this page based on?
The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.