Elam as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Elam

What is the meaning of the name Elam ?

The baby name Elam is a Male name , 2 syllables long and is pronounced /ˈiːləm/ (EE-ləm).

Elam is Hebrew in Origin.

Elam is a biblical name of Hebrew origin (ʿElam, עֵילָם), borne by a son of Shem and by several clan ancestors listed in Ezra and Nehemiah; it also designates the ancient kingdom east of Mesopotamia (later Elam/Elymais in classical sources). Its meaning is debated: many connect it with Hebrew ‘olam, “everlasting/age,” yielding senses like “eternity” or “everlasting,” while others link it to the root ʿ-l-m, “to conceal,” giving “hidden one/hidden land.” Either way, it carries a venerable, antique aura.

As a given name, Elam appeared in English-speaking records from the 17th–19th centuries, favored by Puritans who drew from Old Testament ethnonyms and place-names; it also survives as a Jewish and English surname turned first name. Modern Hebrew uses the variant Eilam, sometimes considered unisex. Transliterations include Elam and Eilam; short forms may be El. Related but distinct is Elyam (“God of the people”).