Declining since 2021, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Nochum since 1985
Babies named Nochum per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1980s | 17 |
| 1990s | 10 |
| 2000s | 54 |
| 2010s | 132 |
| 2020s | 79 |
Meaning & origin
Nochum, a Yiddish variant of Nachum, carries the comforting meaning of 'comforter,' rooted in the Hebrew na-cham. In the United States, it has been recorded since 1985 and reached its peak popularity in 2021, though it has since declined in use. The name is overwhelmingly concentrated in New Jersey, reflecting a strong association with Orthodox Jewish communities. Given its rarity nationwide (1 in 244,011 births in 2025), Nochum remains a distinctive choice that honors Ashkenazi heritage while maintaining a classic biblical connection. Its trajectory from a niche traditional name to a modest peak suggests a brief period of broader curiosity, but it continues to function primarily within cultural enclaves.
Nochum is a Yiddish form of the Hebrew name Nachum, derived from the root n-ch-m meaning 'to comfort.' In the Hebrew Bible, Nachum is a minor prophet; the name has been used among Ashkenazi Jewish communities for centuries. It gained some use in English-speaking countries through Jewish immigration.
Where Nochum is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Nochum
Names that share Nochum's style, for a brother or sister.
