kazem

Kazem is a masculine given name of Arabic and Persian origin. In Arabic it is derived from the root q-z-m and is commonly associated with meanings such as restraining, bearing, or patience. The form Kasim or Qasim is sometimes treated as a related name with a different root meaning “distributor” or “one who divides,” but Kazem (and its Persian counterpart) generally conveys restraint or endurance. The spelling Kazem is one of several transliterations of the same name, reflecting varying pronunciation in different languages and regions. In Persian script, the name is written کاظم.

The name is widely used across Muslim communities in Iran, Iraq, the Levant, the Gulf states, and Central Asia. Because of differences in transliteration, it appears in many spellings in English, including Kazim, Kasim, Qasim, Qasem, Kasem, and Kassem. It is predominantly a male given name, though in some contexts names derived from similar roots may appear in other forms.

Religious and cultural associations include Musa al-Kadhim (Mūsā al-Kāẓim), the seventh Shia imam, whose epithet Kāẓim is closely related to the name. The epithet contributes to the name’s prominence in Islamic naming traditions. Beyond religious contexts, Kazem has been borne by scholars, poets, and public figures in Middle Eastern and diasporic communities, reflecting its broad historical and cultural presence.

In summary, Kazem is a traditional name signaling patience or restraint, with numerous variant spellings and wide usage across Arabic- and Persian-speaking populations. It can also function as a surname in some cases.