All about the name

Ham

Male

« Ham is an English name derived from 'home', signifying joy and belonging. »

#25387 since 1900

Meaning, origin, history

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.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Ham since 1880

Total births
29
Total since 1880
Peak year
1918
7 births
in 1929
5
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years