Rising since 2022.
Popularity of Hesham since 1973
Babies named Hesham per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 26 |
| 1980s | 98 |
| 1990s | 101 |
| 2000s | 92 |
| 2010s | 70 |
| 2020s | 30 |
Meaning & origin
Hesham is an Arabic name carrying the meaning of generosity and nobility, rooted in the image of breaking bread for guests. It has been used in the United States since 1973, with a peak in popularity around the year 2000. After a period of decline, the name has been on an upward trend since 2022, reflecting a modest resurgence in interest. Though it has not ranked among the top 1,000 names nationally, its consistent use over decades highlights its steady appeal within Arabic-speaking and Muslim communities.
Hesham derives from the Arabic root h-sh-m (هشم), which conveys the idea of breaking or crumbling, often extended to mean generosity and hospitality, as in one who breaks bread for guests. The name is closely tied to the Islamic tradition, borne by several early notable figures including Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, a Umayyad caliph, and Hisham ibn Urwa, a prominent hadith narrator. It has remained common across the Arabic-speaking world and among Muslim communities globally.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hesh, Hashi
Sibling names for Hesham
Names that share Hesham's style, for a brother or sister.
