Elam

“Biblical son of Shem — traditionally glossed 'high'” — Hebrew Bible (Assyrian word) origin

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

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. In Pennsylvania it runs about 7× its national rate. It is also an American family name — about 14,000 people carried it as a surname in the 2010 census.

Around the world: about 1 in 20,000 boys in Canada (2024).

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

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

In stories & tradition

Elam — First Book of Chronicles · Genesis 10

What Elams become

Among 17 notable people named Elam:

No single standout — notable Elams spread across many fields.

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

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

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