Elam

Meaning: Uncertain; traditionally high
Origin: Hebrew — Biblical name of a son of Shem and of an ancient kingdom

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.

#2,144 in Sweden (2025) · #3,946 in Ecuador (2025) · #4,002 in France (2025) · #3,072 in Canada (2024).

Famous Elams

Elam Rotem — Israeli composer and musician (born 1984)
Elam Lynds — American prison warden (1784–1855)
Elam Stoltzfus — American film producer (born 1957)
Elam Vangilder — American baseball player (1896–1977)
Elam Brown — California settler and politician (1797–1889)

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 — American football player (born 1970)
Norah Elam — British suffragette and fascist (1878–1961)

In stories & tradition

Elam — Biblical character, son of Shem

What Elams become

Among 17 notable people named Elam:

No single standout — notable Elams spread across many fields.

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

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

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