Ham

“Hot/Black” — Associated with the geographical features of African and Mediterra

Hebrew origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#1794US 2023

406Births / yr

→Stable

29All-time births

📅 Since 188600.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Ham

HAM

/ˈhæm/ · stress on HAM · 1 syllable

“Hot/Black”

Associated with the geographical features of African and Mediterra · Hebrew origin

What does Ham mean and where does it come from?

The name Ham (חָם) has Hebrew origins and is known from the biblical account of Noah's sons. In Hebrew, 'Ham' translates to 'hot' or 'black', and it is often associated with the geographical features of African and Mediterranean regions. Ham's significance extends to biblical history, as he is consi

Cultural significance

Ham has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Hebrew-speaking communities, where it reflects values of hot/black.

Peak popularity

Reached #948 in 1886 — currently #1794 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Ham?

Ham works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Ham Grace

How popular is Ham right now?

Holding steady — currently #1794 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1925–2023#1794 · Top 1.3%

1925

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1794	406	▲ up 5 · +5% births
2022	#1799	386	▲ up 5 · +8% births
2021	#1804	356	▲ up 2467 · +7020% births
1925	#4271	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Ham

Best Year2023Rank #1794

Peak Count406

Average Rank#2417

Current Trend→Stable

Data Range1925 - 20234 years

The story of Ham

Ham has been a beloved American name for over 138 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1886. With 29 total births recorded, Ham remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4271 in 1925 to #1794 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Ham in 1886:

John William James George Charles

Ham by decade

Ham peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	6
1910s	7
1920s ★	16

💎Ham has only 29 total recorded births since 1886 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Ham?

Common

HamieHamy

Famous people named Ham

Ham (historical figure)

Ham 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 2025

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What names sound and feel like Ham?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Ham also consider these

Hamd

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hamm

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Cham

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Sham

Hebrew · name

Hax

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Hak

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Haf

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

Har

Hebrew · A Hebrew name

How is Ham written in other languages?

חָם

Ancient Hebrew

Common questions about the name Ham

What does the name Ham mean?

Ham means "Hot/Black" — 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 Ham?

Ham is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Ham?

Ham 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 Ham?

Ham is a one-syllable name pronounced HH AE1 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

How does Ham sound with different last names?

As a one-syllable name, Ham flows best with last names of two or three syllables. Avoid last names ending in the same sound as Ham ends, as this can create an unwanted rhyme. Test by saying the full name out loud several times.