Vikram is a masculine given name of Sanskrit origin, derived from the words "Vikrama" meaning valor or valiant, and "Rama" meaning the supreme being or Lord Vishnu in Hinduism. The name has been in use since ancient times in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in the northern and central regions.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name can be found in the ancient Hindu epic, the Mahabharata, where Vikramaditya is mentioned as a legendary emperor known for his valor, justice, and patronage of arts and literature. The name gained popularity during the Gupta period (320-550 CE) when several rulers bore the name or titles associated with it.

In the 7th century CE, a famous king named Vikramaditya is believed to have established the Vikram Samvat calendar, which is still used in parts of India today. This king is often associated with the folk tales and stories of the Vikram and Vetal (Vikram and the Vampire) collection.

One of the most notable historical figures with the name Vikram was Vikramaditya VI, a powerful ruler of the Chalukya dynasty in the 12th century CE, who ruled over a vast empire in the Deccan region of India.

In more recent times, Vikram Sarabhai (1919-1971) was an Indian physicist and industrialist who played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Indian space program and is considered the father of the Indian space program.

Vikram Seth (born 1952) is a renowned Indian novelist and poet, best known for his works such as "The Golden Gate" and "A Suitable Boy."

Vikram Pandit (born 1957) is an Indian-American banker who served as the CEO of Citigroup from 2007 to 2012, guiding the company through the global financial crisis.

Vikram Ambalal Sarabhai (1919-1971) was an Indian scientist and innovator who initiated the space research program in India and was instrumental in the establishment of several institutions, including the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).

Vikram Chandra (born 1961) is an Indian-American writer known for his novels such as "Red Earth and Pouring Rain" and "Sacred Games," which was adapted into a popular Netflix series.