Elam

♂ Boy

Pronounced EE-lum /ˈiː.ləm/High

Meaning: eternal, highlandMedium

In 30 seconds: Elam is a Hebrew name meaning eternal or highland, also the name of an ancient kingdom in what is now Iran. A short two-syllable biblical name with historical depth.

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Origin HighHebrew

Meaningeternal, highland

U.S. rank (2024)#2237 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births64 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2015

Total births (all-time)≈ 2,873

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Elam is a Hebrew place name meaning eternal or highland, also the name of Noah's firstborn son in Genesis.

Elam is used in Jewish communities and among parents who appreciate rare biblical names.

Did you know? The ancient kingdom of Elam (modern southwestern Iran) was one of the earliest civilizations in human history, with a writing system dating back to 3200 BCE.

Overall data confidence 82%

Behind the Name: Elam — name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database — U.S. popularity data

Variations

ElaElma

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Elam (biblical)
Eldest son of Shem and grandson of Noah in the Book of Genesis; ancestor of the Elamites.

If you like Elam…

Amos— short two-syllable biblical Hebrew name

Asa— similar short Hebrew name

Ezra— similar short Hebrew name with ancient gravitas

Abel— similar short biblical Hebrew name

Explore names like Elam

By themehebrew short biblical two-syllable ancient

By meaningEternal

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Frequently Asked

What does Elam mean?

Elam means eternal, highland.

How do you pronounce Elam?

Elam is pronounced EE-lum (/ˈiː.ləm/), with 2 syllables.

Is Elam a boy's name?

Yes, Elam is used as a boy's name.

How popular is the name Elam?

Hebrew meaning well established; ancient kingdom connection adds historical depth.