Find out how popular the first name Pam has been for the last 23 years (from 1974 to 1996) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Pam by gender

Based on the last 23 years of data, Pam is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 1996, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Pam.

The history of the first name Pam

The name Pam is a short form of the female name Pamela, which has its origins in the Greek language. Pamela is derived from the Greek words "pam" meaning "all" and "melos" meaning "honey" or "sweet as honey". The name was first recorded in the 16th century in the pastoral romance "Arcadia" by Sir Philip Sidney, where it was used for a character described as the embodiment of virtuous womanhood.

Pam as a diminutive form of Pamela gained popularity in the 20th century, especially in English-speaking countries. It is considered a modern and informal variant of the longer name. The earliest known use of Pam as a standalone name dates back to the late 19th century.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Pam was Pam Grier, an American actress born in 1949. She was a pioneering figure in the blaxploitation genre of the 1970s, starring in films such as "Coffy" and "Foxy Brown". Grier's career spanned over five decades, and she was known for portraying strong, independent women on screen.

Another famous Pam was Pam Ayres, a British poet and comedian born in 1947. She became known for her humorous and observational poetry, often written in a West Country dialect. Ayres' works captured the daily lives and experiences of ordinary people, earning her widespread popularity and acclaim.

In the world of sports, Pam Shriver, born in 1962, was a prominent American tennis player. She won numerous Grand Slam titles in both singles and doubles events throughout her career, and was a member of the successful US Federation Cup team. Shriver is also known for her work as a tennis commentator and analyst after her retirement from professional play.

Pam Ferris, born in 1948, is a British actress who has appeared in various television shows and films. She is perhaps best known for her role as Aunt Marge in the "Harry Potter" film series, where her comedic portrayal of the character was widely praised.

In the realm of literature, Pam Munoz Ryan, born in 1951, is an American writer of children's books. Her works, such as "Esperanza Rising" and "Riding Freedom", explore diverse cultural experiences and have received numerous awards and accolades for their representation of underrepresented communities.

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

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

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