Find out how popular the first name Balam has been for the last 30 years (from 1993 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Balam by gender

Based on the last 30 years of data, Balam is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 9 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Balam.

The history of the first name Balam

The name Balam has its origins in the Mayan culture of ancient Mesoamerica, particularly in the regions of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and western Honduras. It is derived from the Mayan word "balan," which means "jaguar" or "hidden jaguar." The jaguar held great symbolic significance in Mayan mythology and was often associated with power, strength, and the ruling class.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Balam can be found in the ancient Mayan inscriptions at the archaeological site of Palenque, where it was mentioned in reference to a ruler from the 7th century CE. Another notable historical reference is the famous Mayan codex, the Dresden Codex, which includes the name Balam in its astronomical and astrological sections.

In the 16th century, during the Spanish conquest of the Americas, a Mayan ruler named Balam Nah was recorded as leading the resistance against the Spanish forces in the Yucatán Peninsula. He is remembered as a symbol of Mayan resistance and pride.

Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals who bore the name Balam. One of the earliest was Balam Quitze, a legendary figure in the Mayan creation myth who was considered one of the progenitors of the Quiché Maya people. Another famous bearer of the name was Balam Tun, a Mayan prince and warrior who lived in the 15th century and fought against the Spanish conquistadors.

In more recent times, the name Balam has been carried on by individuals such as Balam Rodrigo, a renowned Mexican writer and poet who lived from 1914 to 1999, and Balam Acab, a prominent Mayan activist and environmentalist from Guatemala who was born in 1948 and played a significant role in the struggle for indigenous rights.

Additionally, the name Balam has been used in various works of literature and popular culture, further cementing its association with the rich cultural heritage of the Maya. It continues to be a popular name choice among those with Mayan ancestry or an appreciation for the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations.

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 Balam was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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