The name Hyrum is of English origin, derived from the Hebrew name Hiram. It is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages, particularly in the British Isles. The name is thought to be a variant of the Hebrew name Hiram, which means "brother of the exalted one" or "high-born."

In the Old Testament, Hiram was the name of the king of Tyre who provided materials and skilled workers to King Solomon for the construction of the Temple in Jerusalem. This biblical reference may have contributed to the popularity of the name among certain religious groups.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Hyrum was Hyrum Smith (1800-1844), an American religious leader and a prominent figure in the early history of the Latter Day Saint movement. He was the elder brother of Joseph Smith, the founder of the Latter Day Saint movement, and served as the Assistant President of the Church.

Another notable bearer of the name was Hyrum Willard Parmley (1880-1970), an American politician who served as a member of the United States House of Representatives from Idaho from 1937 to 1949.

In the world of sports, Hyrum "Hy" Vandenberg (1923-1994) was an American professional baseball pitcher who played in Major League Baseball for the New York Yankees and the Cleveland Indians between 1944 and 1956.

In the field of education, Hyrum W. Smith (1901-1986) was an American educator and author who served as the president of Brigham Young University from 1951 to 1959.

Another individual with the name Hyrum was Hyrum Bingham (1904-1956), an American historian and explorer best known for his excavation and restoration of the Inca city of Machu Picchu in Peru in 1911.

While the name Hyrum may not be as common as some other names, it has been borne by several notable individuals throughout history, particularly within certain religious and cultural contexts.