Find out how popular the first name Shyam has been for the last 47 years (from 1978 to 2024) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Shyam by gender

Based on the last 47 years of data, Shyam is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2024, there were 7 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Shyam.

The history of the first name Shyam

The name Shyam is of Sanskrit origin and traces its roots back to ancient India. It is derived from the Sanskrit word "shyama," which means "dark-complexioned" or "black." This name has been in use for centuries and holds significant cultural and historical significance.

In Hinduism, Shyam is one of the names used to refer to Lord Krishna, the eighth avatar of Lord Vishnu. Lord Krishna is often depicted with a dark blue complexion, and the name Shyam is a symbolic representation of his divine form. The name is mentioned in various Hindu scriptures, such as the Bhagavad Gita and the Puranas, which are ancient texts that recount the stories and teachings of Lord Krishna.

One of the earliest recorded examples of the name Shyam can be found in the Mahabharata, an epic Sanskrit poem that dates back to around the 8th century BCE. The name is mentioned in connection with Lord Krishna, who is referred to as "Shyamasundara," meaning "the dark-complexioned and beautiful one."

Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Shyam. One of the most famous is Shyam Sundar Das (1828-1925), an Indian philosopher and mystic who was a prominent figure in the Baul tradition of Bengal. He is renowned for his spiritual teachings and his contributions to the Baul folk music genre.

Another notable person with the name Shyam is Shyam Benegal (born 1934), an acclaimed Indian filmmaker and screenwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the pioneers of the parallel cinema movement in India and has directed several critically acclaimed films, including Nishant (1975), Manthan (1976), and Zubeidaa (2001).

Shyam Saran (born 1946) is a former Indian diplomat and foreign policy expert who served as the Indian Foreign Secretary from 2004 to 2006. He played a crucial role in shaping India's foreign policy and was instrumental in the successful negotiation of the India-US Civil Nuclear Agreement.

Shyam Sunder Lal Parashar (1904-1981), better known as Preetam, was a renowned Hindi poet and lyricist. He is celebrated for his contributions to the Hindi literary world and has written numerous poems and songs that have become an integral part of Indian culture.

Shyam Prasad Mukherji (1901-1953) was an Indian politician and a prominent figure in the Indian independence movement. He was the founder of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh, a precursor to the present-day Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), and played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of post-independence India.

These are just a few examples of notable individuals who have carried the name Shyam throughout history. The name continues to be popular in various parts of India and holds deep cultural and religious significance for many people.

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

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

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