Find out how popular the first name Iam has been for the last 41 years (from 1983 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Iam by gender

Based on the last 41 years of data, Iam is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 79 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Iam.

The history of the first name Iam

The name Iam has its roots in ancient Hebrew culture, tracing back to the biblical era. It is believed to be derived from the Hebrew word "yam," which means "sea" or "ocean." This connection suggests that the name might have been associated with seafaring or maritime traditions in its early origins.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Iam can be found in the Talmud, a central text of Rabbinic Judaism. The Talmud mentions a scholar named Iam ben Ahijah, who lived during the 2nd century CE. While details about his life are scarce, his inclusion in this revered text indicates the name's presence in Jewish communities of that time.

In the Middle Ages, the name Iam appeared in various European regions, likely due to the influence of Jewish diaspora communities. One notable figure was Iam de Villeneuve, a 13th-century French physician and scholar renowned for his contributions to the field of medicine. His works, such as the "Regimen Sanitatis," were widely studied and circulated during the medieval period.

Moving forward to the Renaissance era, the name Iam gained prominence in Italy. Iam Bertoldo, born in 1440, was a celebrated sculptor and medallist from Florence. He is remembered for his intricate medallion portraits of prominent figures, including members of the Medici family, who were influential patrons of the arts during that time.

In the 17th century, Iam Baptista van Helmont, a Flemish chemist and philosopher, made significant contributions to the study of gases and proposed the concept of "gas" as a distinct state of matter. His pioneering work laid the foundations for modern chemistry and earned him recognition as a prominent figure in the Scientific Revolution.

Another notable individual with the name Iam was Iam Forbes, a Scottish Episcopal bishop who lived from 1714 to 1770. He played a crucial role in preserving the Scottish Episcopal Church during a period of religious turmoil and is remembered for his efforts to promote unity and reconciliation within the church.

These are just a few examples of historical figures who bore the name Iam, demonstrating its enduring presence across different cultures, time periods, and fields of endeavor. While the name may have originated from a specific linguistic root, its usage has transcended geographical and cultural boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on various aspects of human history.

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

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

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