Surname Kassim - Meaning and Origin
all surnames with 'K'
Kassim: What does the surname Kassim mean?
The last name Kassim is derived from the Arabic term قاسم, which means "to divide". The term may originally have referred to a person who had the ability to divide and distribute resources or possessions fairly. Today, Kassim is a common surname in North Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.
The term has several other potential meanings. In Arabic, it can also translate to "capable" or "powerful", connoting strength and leadership. In Urdu, it can refer to an augury or diviner - someone with the power to predict the future or discern the unknown. In English, Kassim can be interpreted to mean "master" or "ruler".
Regardless of its original meaning, the last name Kassim is typically associated with strong values like peace, fairness, justice, and wisdom. People who bear this name are often seen as strong, capable, and ethical entrepreneurs, administrators, or leaders. The name stands for bravery and doing the right thing, and it carries cultural weight as a marker of Islamic identity. It is also found among members of African cultures, where it is linked to a deep sense of belonging, solidarity, and communal responsibility.
Order DNA origin analysisKassim: Where does the name Kassim come from?
The last name Kassim is very common in the Middle East. It is particularly popular in the countries of Iraq, Bahrain, Iran, Kuwait, Qatar, Palestine, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen. In these countries, it is usually associated with the Arab heritage, as Kassim is the popular variant of the more traditionally-used Arabic surname Al-Qassim. Elsewhere, it can be common in immigrant communities of these countries located in the USA, UK, Canada, Australia, and other parts of the world.
In Iraq, the last name Kassim is one of the most popular in the country. It is claimed to be a variation of the Arabic word for “delegation” or “agency”. This suggests that “Kassim” could refer to someone who was sent by another person or group to complete a task. This could explain why the name is so popular in the Middle East.
In the Western world, the name is slightly less common, but it still has a presence in parts of the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and elsewhere. In the US, for example, the name’s popularity is growing in cities like New York, Los Angeles, Oklahoma City, Houston, and Seattle.
Overall, the last name Kassim is quite popular within the Middle East, particularly in Iraq. Additionally, it is increasingly present in immigrant communities around the world, where it serves as a reminder of the heritage of those who bear the name.
Variations of the surname Kassim
Kassim is an Arabic, Hebrew, and Swahili patronymic surname that is derived from the given name Qasim, which in turn is a derivative of the Arabic word qasama, meaning “to divide” or “to allocate”. Common variants and spellings of Kassim include Qassem, Kassem, Kasim, Kassem, Kassim, Qasim, and Qassim. Surnames originating from the same root include al-Qasim, al-Qassim, al-Qassem, and al-Qasemi.
Kassim is a popular surname in many Middle Eastern and North African countries. It is also common across numerous other parts of the world, from Pakistan to India, as well as parts of Africa and Europe. In countries where the Latin script is used, it can be found spelled out in its full form or with its individual letters such as “KSM” or “QSM”.
The surname Kassim is a reminder of the Muslim faith, and in Islamic belief, it is closely associated with the prophet Muhammad. The name carries immense respect and is given to boys in countries including Egypt, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Yemen, Turkey, and Malaysia. It is also common among Arab Christians in Palestine, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq.
In some areas of the world, particularly those with a large Muslim population, Kassim and its many variants are also used as given names. This is most common among Arab-blooded people living in the West.
It should also be noted that the surname is sometimes used as a female name in some Islamic communities. In both men and women, Kassim is a highly respected name that generally conveys the traits of humility, charity, calmness, and a desire for justice.
Famous people with the name Kassim
- Sheikh Mohammed Nur Hassan Ali Kassim: The 15th Sultan of Zanzibar
- Bev Kassim: South African sports journalist
- Maryam Kassim: Kenyan author and lawyer
- Mamdouh Habib: Australian Muslim convicted in connection to terrorist activities
- Olajide William Olatunji: British YouTuber, better known as KSI
- Abdirahman Kassim: Senior Somali diplomat and Foreign affairs adviser
- Al Kassim: Emirati soldier and national hero
- Gehan Kassim: Malaysian actor and television presenter
- Salim Kassim: Award-winning Kenyan entrepreneur
- Fauziah Kassim: Malaysian-born social activist and artist