The name Hashim is of Arabic origin, derived from the Semitic root word "hashm," which means "crusher" or "one who breaks." It has been used predominantly in the Islamic world, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, for centuries.

The earliest known reference to the name Hashim can be found in the Quran, the central religious text of Islam. Hashim was the name of an ancestor of the Prophet Muhammad, who lived in Mecca around the 5th century CE. He was a member of the Quraish tribe and played a significant role in the history of Mecca as a respected and influential leader.

One of the most famous historical figures bearing the name Hashim was Hashim bin Abd Manaf (464-510 CE), the great-grandfather of the Prophet Muhammad. He was a prominent figure in Mecca and is credited with establishing the tradition of providing food and water to pilgrims visiting the Kaaba, the sacred shrine in Mecca.

Another notable figure with the name Hashim was Hashim al-Marwani (680-725 CE), a member of the Umayyad dynasty and the governor of Armenia and Adharbayjan (present-day Iran and parts of the Caucasus region) during the reign of the Umayyad Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik.

In more recent history, Hashim Reza (1856-1935) was a prominent Iranian political figure and one of the leaders of the Constitutional Revolution in Iran, which aimed to establish a constitutional monarchy and limit the absolute power of the Shah.

Hashim Amla (born 1983) is a South African cricketer who has represented the national team and is known for his strong batting performances. He was the first South African captain of Muslim faith and has been recognized for his contributions to the sport.

The name Hashim has also been used in various literary works, including the famous Arabic poem "Mu'allaqat" by Imru' al-Qais, which mentions a person named Hashim ibn al-Namir al-Qaysi, a pre-Islamic Arab poet and warrior.