Find out how popular the first name Alem has been for the last 37 years (from 1987 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Alem by gender

Based on the last 37 years of data, Alem is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 5 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Alem.

The history of the first name Alem

The name Alem has its origins in the Amharic language of Ethiopia. Amharic is a Semitic language derived from the Ge'ez script, which was the liturgical language of the Eritrean and Ethiopian Orthodox Churches. The name Alem is believed to have its roots in the Ge'ez word 'alam', meaning 'world' or 'universe'.

In Ethiopian culture, the name Alem has been associated with concepts of universality, encompassing the entire world, and the vastness of creation. It is a popular name among the Amhara people, one of the major ethnic groups in Ethiopia, and has been used for centuries.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Alem can be found in the Kebra Nagast, a 14th-century literary work that recounts the origins of the Solomonic dynasty in Ethiopia. The text mentions an individual named Alem in its narrative, although specific details about this person are scarce.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Alem. One of the earliest was Alem Bekagn (1586-1640), an Ethiopian nobleman and military leader who served as a governor during the Zemene Mesafint, a period of decentralized rule in Ethiopia. He played a significant role in defending the kingdom against external threats.

Another prominent figure was Alem Tekle Haymanot (1855-1924), an Ethiopian philosopher and religious leader who founded the Ethio-Christian philosophy known as Qiné. His teachings had a profound impact on the spiritual and intellectual landscape of Ethiopia during his time.

In more recent times, Alem Gebru (1949-2022) was an acclaimed Ethiopian writer and journalist who made significant contributions to the literary scene in his country. His works often explored themes of social justice, human rights, and the struggles of the Ethiopian people.

Alem Dechasa (born 1982) is a current Ethiopian long-distance runner who has won numerous international competitions, including the 2012 Boston Marathon and the 2015 World Championships in Athletics Marathon.

Alem Teklai (born 1981) is an Eritrean-born Canadian singer and songwriter who has gained recognition for her fusion of traditional Eritrean music with contemporary genres. Her music has been celebrated for its cultural significance and artistic expression.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Alem was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Alem, please contact us.

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