Kulsum
A girl's name of Arabic origin with 53 recorded U.S. births.
Meaning & Origin
When Kulsum hit its peak of 8 births in 2017, social media, global pop culture, and a growing appetite for unique names were reshaping how American parents chose names.
Kulsum has carried that momentum forward and remains a live choice today.
In the most recent SSA release, Kulsum ranks #14395 among U.S. girl names — distinctive enough to stand out.
Kulsum is a girl's baby name of Arabic origin, a variant of Kulthum — associated with Umm Kulthum, meaning 'one with full, chubby cheeks' (a term of endearment). Umm Kulthum was the daughter of the Prophet Muhammad, making this a name of profound Islamic significance.
Kulsum carries the sacred heritage of Umm Kulthum bint Muhammad alongside the extraordinary legacy of Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum (1904-1975) — considered the greatest voice in the history of Arabic music. As a given name it carries both religious devotion and cultural grandeur.
EtymologyShow more
Kulsum is built from 6 letters and two syllables — a mid-length form that balances memorability with distinctiveness. Within the Arabic naming tradition, this length is typical of names that preserve their full historical form, carrying their etymology on the surface.
The interplay of consonants and vowels in Kulsum creates its characteristic sharp, distinct quality. Two-syllable names are the most common length in American naming, hitting a natural speech rhythm that works across formal and informal contexts.
At a Glance
Popularity Over Time
Kulsum climbed 3175 spots in the last 20 years — from #17570 to #14395.
Popularity by Decade
| Decade | Births | Trend |
|---|---|---|
| 2020s | 6 | ▼ |
| 2010s | 19 | ▼ |
| 2000s | 22 | ▲ |
| 1990s | 6 | — |
The Story of Kulsum
A Gen Alpha name
Peaking in 2017, Kulsum is a fresh, modern favorite. Girls named Kulsum are most likely born between 2007 and 2024.
How rare is Kulsum?
Only about 1 in every 600,000 babies born in 2024 was named Kulsum — a truly uncommon choice.
The journey through the decades
First appeared in the records in 1993, peaked in the 2000s with 22 births that decade, and has gracefully settled into a quieter chapter.
Kulsum by the numbers
- Would fill 1 school bus
Year-by-Year Data
View complete yearly data(9 years, 1993–2024)
| Year | Births | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 | #14395 |
| 2017 | 8 | #12243 |
| 2012 | 6 | #16000 |
| 2010 | 5 | #18568 |
| 2009 | 5 | #18862 |
| 2008 | 7 | #14656 |
| 2005 | 5 | #17963 |
| 2004 | 5 | #17570 |
| 1993 | 6 | #12670 |
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Data source: U.S. Social Security Administration, 1993–2024