"eternal, hidden"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
Elam
Pronunciation: [ EHL-uhm ]
Does Elam flow with your last name?
Biblical and ancient — a name older than most civilizations
Hebrew
Biblical
American
Christian
Spiritual
Vintage
Strong
Classic
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"highlands, uplands"
Origin: Hebrew/Semitic
Language: English
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The Story of Elam
Elam appears in the Hebrew Bible in Genesis 10 as a son of Shem and grandson of Noah, and also as the name of the ancient civilization of Elam in what is now southwestern Iran. The Hebrew meaning is debated among scholars who propose eternal, hidden, or a reference to the highlands. As one of the Table of Nations names it carries immense antiquity.
Elam has experienced quiet but notable rise in the United States as parents seek Old Testament names that feel less common than Elijah or Eli while still connected to biblical heritage.
The ancient kingdom of Elam (c. 3200-539 BC) was one of the earliest civilizations, contemporaneous with Sumer. Its capital Susa is mentioned throughout the Bible including in the Book of Esther. This name connects a child to one of humanity's oldest recorded civilizations.
Historical Record
Elam first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 2,351 babies have been named Elam in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Elam is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #2,246 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- The Elamite language remains only partially deciphered — one of archaeology's great unsolved puzzles
- The city of Susa, capital of ancient Elam, is where the biblical story of Queen Esther takes place
Elam in Other Languages
Greek
Ailam
Latin
Aelam
Arabic
Elam
Hebrew
Elam
Persian
Elam
Popularity Over Time
#2,246
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Elam
E
Elam son of Shem
Other
Biblical patriarch listed in Genesis 10:22, son of Shem and grandson of Noah, considered ancestor of the Elamite people
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #2,246
- Total SSA Count
- 64
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew Biblical American Christian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Eli
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Elam
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sounds Like Elam
Phonetic neighbors that share Elam's rhythm, vowel shape, or consonant cluster. Tap any name to see its full "names like" list.
Sibling Match
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Same Origin Names (Hebrew)
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Frequently Asked Questions About Elam
What does the name Elam mean?
"eternal, hidden" (from Hebrew). "highlands, uplands" (from Hebrew/Semitic). Elam appears in the Hebrew Bible in Genesis 10 as a son of Shem and grandson of Noah, and also as the name of the ancient civilization of Elam in what is now southwestern Iran. The Hebrew meaning is debated among scholars who propose eternal, hidden, or a reference to the highlands. As one of the Table of Nations names it carries immense antiquity.
What is the origin of the name Elam?
Elam has Hebrew, Hebrew/Semitic, Biblical, American, and Christian origins. In Hebrew, it means "eternal, hidden". In Hebrew/Semitic, it means "highlands, uplands".
Is Elam a boy or girl name?
Elam is primarily used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Elam?
Elam is pronounced EHL-uhm.
How popular is the name Elam?
Elam is currently ranked #2246 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Elam?
Common nicknames for Elam include Eli.
What are good middle names for Elam?
Popular middle name pairings include Elam James, Elam Cole, Elam River, Elam Grey, Elam Asher, Elam Knox, and Elam Dean.
What are good sibling names for Elam?
Names that pair well with Elam as siblings include Eli, Ezra, Abel, Naomi, Lydia, and Selah.
How many syllables does Elam have?
Elam has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Elam a common or rare name?
Elam is an uncommon name, ranked #2246 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What boy names are similar to Elam?
Browse all middle names, sibling names, or similar names.
About the Name Elam
Elam is a boy name with Hebrew, Biblical, American, and Christian origins . The name means "eternal, hidden" in Hebrew .
Elam is currently ranked #2,246 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Elam has 2 syllables and is pronounced EHL-uhm, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Elam include Eli. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Elam include Elan, Elazar, Eladio . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis