Zam first name popularity, history and meaning

Find out how popular the first name Zam has been for the last 10 years (from 2013 to 2022) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Meaning of Zam

A unique unisex name of uncertain origin and meaning.

Popularity of Zam by gender

Based on the last 10 years of data, Zam is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2022, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Zam.

Year Male Count Female Count
2022 6 0
2020 5 0
2018 5 0
2016 6 0
2014 6 0
2013 5 0

The history of the first name Zam

The name Zam has its origins in ancient Persia, now known as Iran. It is believed to have derived from the Old Persian word "zam," which meant "earth" or "land." This name dates back to the Achaemenid Empire, which ruled over much of the ancient world from circa 550 BC to 330 BC.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zam can be found in the Behistun Inscription, a multi-lingual inscription carved on a rock face in present-day Kermanshah Province, Iran. This inscription, created in 520 BC, details the rise of Darius the Great to the Persian throne and mentions several individuals with the name Zam.

In ancient Persian mythology, Zam was also the name of a legendary warrior known for his bravery and strength. His exploits were documented in the epic poem "Shahnameh" by the renowned Persian poet Ferdowsi, who lived from 940 AD to 1020 AD.

Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Zam. One such figure was Zam Zamaspandyat, a renowned Persian astrologer and scholar who lived during the reign of the Sassanid Empire in the 6th century AD. His astrological works and predictions were highly regarded during his time.

Another prominent bearer of the name was Zam Zammah, a legendary cannon cast in the 16th century during the reign of the Mughal Emperor Akbar. This massive cannon, weighing over 17 tons, was a symbol of the Mughal Empire's military prowess and was used in several battles.

In the 19th century, Zam Khan was a prominent Afghan military leader and governor of Herat Province. He played a crucial role in the First Anglo-Afghan War, leading Afghan forces against the British invasion in 1839.

Moving into the 20th century, Zam Wesell was an influential German architect and urban planner who lived from 1893 to 1962. He was known for his modernist designs and his contributions to the reconstruction of cities after World War II.

Finally, Zam Zammouri was a Tunisian artist and sculptor who lived from 1922 to 1995. His works, often incorporating traditional Tunisian elements and motifs, were widely celebrated and can be found in numerous galleries and public spaces across Tunisia.

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

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

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"Zam first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com. Accessed on June 17, 2025. http://namecensus.com/first-names/zam-meaning-and-history/.

"Zam first name popularity, history and meaning". NameCensus.com, http://namecensus.com/first-names/zam-meaning-and-history/. Accessed 17 June, 2025

Zam first name popularity, history and meaning. NameCensus.com. Retrieved from http://namecensus.com/first-names/zam-meaning-and-history/.

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