"white antelope, gazelle"
Reem
A classical Arabic gem meaning 'graceful white gazelle'
Meaning & Origin
"white deer, elegant creature"
The Story of Reem
Reem is a classical Arabic name meaning 'white antelope' or 'gazelle,' specifically referring to a type of graceful white deer or the Arabian oryx. In classical Arabic poetry, the reem was the supreme symbol of grace and beauty — poets would compare their beloved to a reem to express her elegance and swiftness. The name appears in pre-Islamic Arabian poetry and has been in continuous use for over 1,500 years.
Reem is particularly popular in Gulf Arab countries including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain, where it consistently ranks in the top 20 girls' names. It is prized for its simplicity, classical literary resonance, and the elegance of a single-syllable Arabic name.
In classical Arabic literary tradition, the reem (white antelope or gazelle) is a recurring symbol of feminine beauty, grace, and desirability. The image appears in the Mu'allaqat (pre-Islamic Arabian odes) and throughout medieval Arabic poetry from the Golden Age. Naming a daughter Reem invokes 1,500 years of poetic tradition.
Fun Facts
- The reem or Arabian white oryx was nearly extinct by the 1970s but was saved through international captive breeding programs and is now recovering in the wild
- Reem is consistently a top-20 name in Saudi Arabia and the UAE
- In classical Arabic poetry, comparing a woman to a reem was the highest compliment to her beauty and grace
Reem in Other Languages
Famous People Named Reem
Reem Al Hashimi
Politician
1975
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, one of the most influential Arab women in global diplomacy and deve...
UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, one of the most influential Arab women in global diplomacy and development
Reem Acra
Artist
1970
Lebanese-American fashion designer known for bridal and couture collections worn at the Oscars and royal weddings
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #1,306
- Total SSA Count
- 176
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Gulf Arab Middle Eastern Muslim
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Reem
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About the Name Reem
Reem is a girl name with Arabic, Gulf Arab, Middle Eastern, and Muslim origins . The name means "white antelope, gazelle" in Arabic .
Reem is currently ranked #1,306 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Reem has 1 syllable, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Reem include Reese, Reece, Reeva, Reema . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.