Ham is a name of English origin that has been used for both boys and girls throughout history. The name is derived from the Old English word "ham", which means "home". This name was often given to children born at home or who were considered to be a great source of joy and happiness within their families.
The name Ham gained popularity during the Middle Ages, when it was used as a byname for people who lived near a homestead or who had some association with home life. It was also used as a nickname for people who were considered to be particularly domestic or home-loving.
In literature, the name Ham is perhaps best known as the protagonist of Shakespeare's tragedy "Hamlet". While this character is not named after his father, King Hamlet, he is instead named after his maternal grandfather, who was also called Ham. This use of the name in one of the most famous plays in history has helped to cement its place in popular culture.
Today, the name Ham is still used as a given name for boys and girls, although it is not as common as it once was. It remains a name that is strongly associated with the idea of home and family, and may be chosen by parents who wish to give their child a name that reflects these values. Overall, Ham is a name with a rich history and a meaningful origin that continues to appeal to many people today.
The name Ham has been a rare choice for babies born in the United States, with only a handful of births recorded each year since at least 1886. In that year, there were just six babies named Ham. This number fluctuated over the years, with peaks of seven births in 1918 and six again in 1921. The name's popularity seemed to wane in the latter half of the 1920s, with only five babies named Ham each year from 1925 to 1929.
Despite its low numbers, the name Ham has persisted over time, with a total of 29 births recorded since 1886. This steady, albeit small, presence suggests that while not widely popular, the name Ham continues to be chosen by parents for their children in the United States.