"high, exalted"
Ram
Pronunciation: [ r-AM ]
Exalted in Hebrew, divine in Sanskrit
Meaning & Origin
"divine, pleasing"
Things to Know About This Name
- In English, ram also refers to the male sheep, which some may find limiting for a child's name
The Story of Ram
Ram is a Hebrew name meaning high or exalted, appearing in the Bible as the great-grandfather of King David. In Hindu tradition, Ram (or Rama) is one of the most sacred names, an avatar of the god Vishnu and the hero of the Ramayana epic. These two major traditions give the name deep spiritual resonance across distinct cultures.
Ram remains a common name in Israel and India, used consistently across generations for its spiritual significance. In Israel it is often secular and straightforward; in India it carries profound religious weight.
In Hinduism, Ram (Rama) is considered the seventh avatar of Vishnu and the ideal man — a paragon of virtue, duty, and righteousness. The Ramayana, one of the two great Sanskrit epics, tells his story and is a cornerstone of Hindu culture.
Fun Facts
- Ram appears in the genealogy of King David in the Hebrew Bible
- In India, millions celebrate Ram Navami each year to honor the birth of the Hindu god Rama
- Mahatma Gandhi's last words are reported to have been Hai Ram (Oh Ram)
Ram in Other Languages
Famous People Named Ram
Rahm Emanuel
Politician
1959
American politician, former Mayor of Chicago and White House Chief of Staff
Ram Dass
Religious
1931
American spiritual teacher and author of Be Here Now
Rama
Religious
Seventh avatar of Vishnu and hero of the Ramayana epic, considered the ideal man in Hindu tradition
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 1
- Popularity Rank
- #2,143
- Total SSA Count
- 69
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Israeli Hindu Indian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Similar Names
Playground Safety
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Ram and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Ram sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Frequently Asked Questions About Ram
What does the name Ram mean?
What is the origin of the name Ram?
Is Ram a boy or girl name?
How do you pronounce Ram?
How popular is the name Ram?
What are good middle names for Ram?
What are good sibling names for Ram?
How many syllables does Ram have?
Is Ram a common or rare name?
About the Name Ram
Ram is a boy name with Jewish, Israeli, Hindu, and Indian origins . The name means "high, exalted" in Hebrew .
Ram is currently ranked #2,143 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Ram has 1 syllable and is pronounced r-AM, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Alternative spellings of Ram include Ramon, Ramiro, Rami, Ramses, Ramsey . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.