Elam

Meaning: Traditionally glossed high
Origin: Hebrew Bible — Biblical son of Shem · Assyrian word

Boy's name · #2213 in the US (2025) · Vintage

Popularity over time

Elam belongs to an older America first — it reached #762 back in 1898 — yet it still appears in today's records at #2213. About 2,900 boys have carried it since 1880.

Across the states

In recent years, Elam ran about 7× its national rate in Pennsylvania.

Appears in 2020-2025 birth records of 6 states. See the full state-by-state map on this page.

Around the world

See how Elam ranks in other countries and regions.

#2,386 in Canada (2024).

Famous Elams

Elam Rotem — Composer, singer and harpsichordist
Elam Greeley — American politician (1818–1882)
Elam J. Anderson — Academic administrator
Elam Vangilder — American baseball player
Elam Ives, Jr. — American music educator

As a surname

It is also an American family name — about 14,000 people carried it as a surname in the 2010 census.

Jack Elam — American actor (1920–2003)
Jason Elam — Player of American football
Norah Elam — British suffragist (1878–1961)

In stories & tradition

Elam — First Book of Chronicles (Bible)

What Elams become

Among 17 notable people named Elam:

No single standout — notable Elams spread across many fields.

Similar names: Abe · Elan · Meyer · Eliott · Hiram · Elyjah

Browse more boy names — popularity, trends and eras for 5,700+ American names, free.

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