Declining since 2008, #3,450 for boys today.
Popularity of Hyrum since 1880
Babies named Hyrum per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2007, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Hyrum's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 57 |
| 1890s | 5 |
| 1900s | 6 |
| 1910s | 117 |
| 1920s | 124 |
| 1930s | 69 |
| 1940s | 37 |
| 1950s | 42 |
| 1960s | 29 |
| 1970s | 149 |
| 1980s | 208 |
| 1990s | 333 |
| 2000s | 969 |
| 2010s | 952 |
| 2020s | 309 |
Meaning & origin
Hyrum is a rare given name, recorded since 1880. Its usage peaked in the 1880s, with the highest rank of 3450 occurring in 1883. By 2025, the name had become much less common, with about 1 in 51760 boys receiving it. The name has been in decline since 2008, showing a trajectory of falling popularity. Geographically, Hyrum is concentrated in Idaho and Utah, reflecting its strong ties to Mormon communities, as Hyrum Smith was a prominent figure in the Latter Day Saint movement. Despite its rarity, the name has a distinctive sound and a debated etymology linking it to either the Hebrew Hiram or an Arabic root meaning 'sacred'. For parents seeking a name with religious heritage and a unique edge, Hyrum offers a strong, traditional choice with a clear geographical and cultural footprint.
Hyrum is most likely a variant of Hiram, a biblical name of Hebrew origin meaning 'exalted brother'. Another theory suggests an Arabic derivation from 'haram' meaning 'sacred' or 'sanctuary'. The name appears in the Book of Mormon as a variant of Hiram, and was notably borne by Hyrum Smith, a leader in the Latter Day Saint movement. Its use has been concentrated among Mormon families, especially in Utah and Idaho.
Where Hyrum is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Hy, Rum
Variants: Hiram
Sibling names for Hyrum
Names that share Hyrum's style, for a brother or sister.
