Iram

♂ Boy

Pronounced EE-rum /ˈiːrəm/High

Meaning: Lofty garden paradise; name of a legendary city of pillars (Iram of the Pillars) mentioned in the QuranHigh

In 30 seconds: Iram is an Arabic name referencing the legendary 'City of Pillars' mentioned in the Quran, symbolising paradise and splendour. Elegant and short, it is used across South Asia for both boys and girls but predominantly as a masculine name in Pakistani tradition.

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Origin HighArabic, Hebrew

MeaningLofty garden paradise; name of a legendary city of pillars (Iram of the Pillars) mentioned in the Quran

U.S. rank (2024)#3172 ↗ Rising

2024 U.S. births38 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2024

Total births (all-time)≈ 902

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

History & Origin

Iram (إِرَم) appears in the Quran (89:7) as the name of a legendary city built by the ancient tribe of Ad, described as having lofty pillars unmatched by any city in the world. Islamic scholars have long debated whether Iram refers to a city, a tribe, or a dynasty. The name carries connotations of paradise, glory, and architectural magnificence.

As a given name, Iram is used widely in Pakistan, India, and among South Asian diaspora communities. While it can be used for girls in some South Asian contexts, in the Arab world it is primarily masculine. It also has a possible Hebrew connection, appearing as a name in Genesis 36:43.

Did you know? The Iram of the Pillars is described in Surah Al-Fajr of the Quran as a magnificent lost city surpassing all others — sometimes linked to the legendary Arabian city of Ubar, reportedly discovered via satellite imagery in 1992.

Overall data confidence 84%

Quran — Surah Al-Fajr 89:7 — Primary Quranic reference to Iram of the PillarsBehind the Name — Iram — Name usage and etymology notes

Variations

IremHiram

Nicknames

Ram

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If you like Iram…

Hiram— related Hebrew name with similar sound and ancient Semitic roots

Ibrahim— Arabic Quranic name of the prophet Abraham, similarly venerated

Ilyas— Arabic form of the prophet Elijah, fellow short Quranic name

Ismail— Arabic Quranic prophet name popular in South Asian Muslim communities

Frequently Asked

What does the name Iram mean?

Iram is an Arabic name referring to Iram of the Pillars, a legendary paradise city mentioned in the Quran (89:7), symbolising glory, splendour, and heavenly beauty.

How do you pronounce Iram?

Iram is pronounced EE-rum /ˈiːrəm/ — two syllables with stress on the first.

Is Iram a boy or girl name?

Iram is used for boys in Arab and Pakistani tradition, though it can appear as a girl's name in some South Asian communities.

How popular is Iram?

Iram is a moderately common name in Pakistan and among South Asian Muslim communities, less common in Western countries.