What does Elam mean and where does it come from?
Elam is a name of Hebrew origin, spelled אלם in Hebrew. It has biblical ties, referring to a son of Shem in the Old Testament and the ancient region of Elam, located in modern-day Iran. The name has connotations of eternity or forever, making it spiritually significant. It has seen varying degrees o
Cultural significance
Elam has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of eternity.
Peak popularity
Reached #776 in 1898 — currently #2323 in the US.
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Related Reading
Hebrew-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Elam?
Elam works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Elam Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Elam Rose
Floral · soft ending
Elam Claire
French influence · crisp
Elam Jane
Literary · strong
Elam Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Elam right now?
Falling — down 283 spots — currently #2323 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #2323 | 60 | ▼ down 283 · -19% births |
| 2022 | #2040 | 74 | ▼ down 350 · -24% births |
| 2021 | #1690 | 97 | ▲ up 20 · +8% births |
| 2020 | #1710 | 90 | ▼ down 453 · -37% births |
| 2015 | #1257 | 143 | ▲ up 778 · +113% births |
| 2010 | #2035 | 67 | ▲ up 925 · +91% births |
| 2005 | #2960 | 35 | ▼ down 224 · +6% births |
| 2000 | #2736 | 33 | ▲ up 1129 · +106% births |
| 1995 | #3865 | 16 | ▼ down 998 · -27% births |
| 1990 | #2867 | 22 | ▲ up 1198 · +120% births |
| 1985 | #4065 | 10 | ▼ down 1521 · -47% births |
| 1980 | #2544 | 19 | ▲ up 545 · +58% births |
| 1975 | #3089 | 12 | ▼ down 1 · +20% births |
| 1970 | #3088 | 10 | ▼ down 291 · +11% births |
| 1965 | #2797 | 9 | — |
The story of Elam
Elam has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 2,558 total births recorded, Elam remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #860 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #2323 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Elam in 1898:
Elam by decade
Elam peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 28 | |
| 1890s | 20 | |
| 1900s | 15 | |
| 1910s | 111 | |
| 1920s | 154 | |
| 1930s | 84 | |
| 1940s | 109 | |
| 1950s | 101 | |
| 1960s | 86 | |
| 1970s | 128 | |
| 1980s | 157 | |
| 1990s | 207 | |
| 2000s | 345 | |
| 2010s ★ | 923 | |
| 2020s | 90 | |
💎With 2,558 total births, Elam is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Elam?
Famous people named Elam
E(
Elam (historical community leader)
Elam led communities across the ancient Near East who passed this name through generations.
E(
Elam (historical figure)
Elam bore this name in the Biblical tradition, reflecting its deep roots in Hebrew scripture and culture.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Elam?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elam also consider these
How is Elam written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Elam
What does the name Elam mean?
Elam means "eternity" — a name rooted in Hebrew tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Elam?
Elam is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.
What is the cultural origin of Elam?
Elam originates from Hebrew tradition. Hebrew names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Elam?
Elam is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 L AH0 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Elam a common or rare name?
Elam is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.