Elam is an uncommon name of Hebrew origin that has a rich history and significant meaning behind it. The name is derived from the Hebrew word "elam," which means "eternity" or "perpetuity." This name holds great significance in Jewish culture, as it is mentioned several times in the Old Testament of the Bible.
The first reference to Elam can be found in Genesis 10:22, where he is listed as one of the sons of Shem and a progenitor of the Elamites. The Elamites were an ancient civilization that resided in what is now southwestern Iran. Throughout the Bible, Elam is often associated with powerful enemies of Israel, such as in Isaiah 21:2, where it is prophesied that "Elam will attack with archers."
Despite its association with adversaries, the name Elam has also come to symbolize strength and endurance due to its meaning. This duality may make it an appealing choice for parents looking for a unique and meaningful name.
In terms of popularity, Elam is not a common name in many countries today. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, only 19 boys were named Elam in 2019 out of over 563,000 total births. However, its rarity may contribute to its intrigue and allure for those seeking a distinctive name.
In conclusion, Elam is an uncommon yet deeply meaningful name with roots tracing back thousands of years to ancient Hebrew culture. With its association with eternity and strength, it continues to hold significance today as parents seek unique and profound names for their children.
Based on the provided statistics, the name Elam has seen varying popularity over time in the United States. From 1880 to around 1970, the number of births with the name Elam fluctuated between 5 and 19 annually, with a noticeable increase starting from the late 1970s.
From 1978 onwards, there has been a consistent rise in the popularity of the name Elam. In 1978, there were 19 births, which is more than double the number recorded in previous years. This trend continued into the 1980s and 1990s, with the highest number of births reaching 34 in 2000.
The early 2000s marked a significant turning point for the name Elam's popularity. Between 2003 and 2022, the number of annual births with this name fluctuated between 37 and 109, indicating a substantial increase in its usage compared to earlier decades.
In recent years, however, there has been some decrease in the popularity of Elam. After reaching a peak of 144 births in 2015, the number of annual births with this name has since declined, with 74 births recorded in 2022 and 60 births in 2023.
Overall, while Elam was relatively uncommon during the late 19th century and early-to-mid 20th century, it gained popularity from the late 1970s onwards. The name reached its peak popularity between 2005 and 2015 before experiencing a decline in recent years. Despite this decrease, Elam remains more popular than it was during most of the 20th century.