Elam

What does Elam mean?

Elam is a biblical masculine name associated with an ancient kingdom east of Mesopotamia, in an area now part of south-western Iran. In the Bible, Elam is also the name of a son of Shem, giving the name a direct and distinctive scriptural connection.

Its original meaning is not securely known. Elam has a calm, resonant sound and an uncommon, ancient feel, offering a concise alternative to more familiar biblical choices such as Eli and Asa.

Historical Context

Elam was the name of an important ancient civilisation and kingdom, known from Near Eastern records and from the Hebrew Bible. The biblical form עֵילָם, Elam, appears in genealogies and in references to the region and its people. The name is generally understood to reflect the ancient place name, but the original Elamite meaning has not been established with certainty. In modern use, Elam is an uncommon given name, chosen chiefly for its biblical and historical associations.

Popularity of Elam over time

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