Surname Kerim - Meaning and Origin
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Kerim: What does the surname Kerim mean?
Kerim is a surname of Turkish origin. It typically means to be "blessed" or "lucky", and was likely passed down through generations as a form of best wishes. This is likely the origin of its use in many languages, such as Arabic and Slovenian.
In some places, the name is believed to mean “virtue” with the connotation of a person of strong character that is virtuous and just. It may also be derived from the Arabic root karim, which means “generous”. This is reflected in some families with this surname who have a strong sense of hospitality and kindness.
For others, the name connotes strength and power. It may be used to pay homage to powerful leaders or monarchs, such as the Ottoman sultan, Kerim II, who reigned from 1648 to 1687. This interpretation is reflected in the Byzantine prince Alexius Komainos who was also known as Kerim.
Kerim is also considered a symbol of protection. In some Arabic and Islamic cultures the name has long been used to refer to Allah's protection. It may also be derived from the root kerim, which was used in the Quran in surah al-Kawthar to symbolically refer to Allah's protection.
Kerim is a name that translates many meanings, from "blessed" and "lucky" to "virtue" and "generosity". It is both a symbol of power and a sign of protection, reflecting its varied cultural origins and meanings.
Order DNA origin analysisKerim: Where does the name Kerim come from?
The last name Kerim is quite a rare surname, and it is not common in many countries today. It appears to be most prevalent in Turkey, with a small number of people in Bulgaria and Kazakhstan also using it.
Within Turkey, the surname is most commonly found in Aydin, an area of western Anatolia. Other, smaller concentrations can also be found in Antalya, Istanbul, Denizli, Isparta, Konya, and Sakarya provinces.
Outside Turkey, traces of the Kerim surname can be found in countries all over the world, primarily thanks to immigration. This includes areas in the United States, such as New York and California, as well as the United Kingdom, France, Canada, Germany, and Australia.
In terms of its origin, the name is thought to have been derived from a Turkish or Arabic phrase. It translates to “generous” or “exalted” and was likely the given name of a powerful ancestor or someone of high social status. The name could also be a shortened version of Kerimullah, which in Arabic translates to “the most generous one” and is sometimes used as an honorific title.
Whatever its origins, the name Kerim still carries with it connotations of honor and generosity, and no doubt its bearers feel proud of their heritage.
Variations of the surname Kerim
The surname Kerim is of Turkish origin, derived from the male given name Kerim which means generous, noble and majestic. It can be found in many cultures and environments, including Turkish, Indian, Israeli, Arabian and Armenian. The variants of the surname Kerim are Kerem (Hebrew), Karmi (Israeli), Karam (Arab), Karami (Islamic), Karym (Muslim), Kerym (English), Kumari (Indian) and Karyme (Arabian).
The spelling of the surname Kerim can also vary. It can be spelt as Kerrim, Kerrem and Kerem. It may also be spelt as Kariem, Karym, Karyme and Karim. The suffix '-i' is sometimes added to the surname, making it Keremi or Karimi.
The surnames associated with Kerim are Kerem, Karim, Karamy and Karam. These surnames originate from Kerim but they all have different spellings and variants.Kerem is the Hebrew version of the surname while Karim is the Arabic version and Karamy and Karam the Egyptian and Indian versions respectively.
In conclusion, the surname Kerim is an ancient name of Turkish origin which can be found in many cultures all over the world. Some of its variants and spellings are Kerem, Karmi, Karam, Karami, Karym, Kerym, Kumari, Karyme, Kerrem and Keremi. It is associated with surnames such as Kerem, Karim, Karamy and Karam which all originate from Kerim but have different variants and spellings.
Famous people with the name Kerim
- Ali Kerim: known best for his role as a guitarist in the 1970s and ‘80s Turkish rock band Aynalı Gözlüm.
- Hasan Ali Çelikten: a Turkish former football player who made over 450 appearances across four clubs in Turkey.
- Halil İbrahim Kerim: a former Turkish international footballer who won over 40 caps with the Turkish National Team.
- Süleyman Kerim Göker: a former Mayor of Istanbul who had a notable role in renovating the city’s popular Süleymaniye Mosque.
- İsmail Ağa Kerim: an Ottoman Grand Vizier who held the post twice during the 19th century.
- Şehzade Kerim: a son of Ottoman Sultan Abdulmejid I and founder of the Kerim dynasty.
- Talat Kerim: a Turkish film director renowned for his work in the 1940s and ‘50s.
- Hikmet Kerim: a former Turkish president with a notable career in politics since the 1950s.
- Atilla Kerim: an actor who has starred in several feature film productions in Turkey, including his 2011 feature "Lights and Shadows".
- Mustafa Kerim: a Turkish journalist and broadcaster who is the current editor-in-chief of Turkish daily newspaper Hürriyet.