Holding steady.
Popularity of Pam since 1915
Babies named Pam per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 5 |
| 1920s | 7 |
| 1930s | 116 |
| 1940s | 3,357 |
| 1950s | 11,235 |
| 1960s | 17,109 |
| 1970s | 1,126 |
| 1980s | 144 |
| 1990s | 26 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Pam is a name that evokes mid-century America, having reached its peak popularity in 1959. Although it no longer ranks in the top 1000 names, its trajectory has remained stable in recent years, suggesting a quiet but enduring familiarity. As a diminutive of Pamela, a literary invention by Sir Philip Sidney, the name carries a classical echo of 'all honey'. For those seeking a concise, friendly choice with retro charm, Pam stands as a straightforward option free of modern trends.
Pam originated as a diminutive of Pamela, a name invented by the poet Sir Philip Sidney for his 16th-century pastoral romance 'Arcadia'. Sidney likely derived it from Greek 'pan' (all) and 'meli' (honey), meaning 'all honey'. The independent use of Pam became common in the United States in the early 20th century, reaching peak popularity in the 1950s.
Where Pam is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Sibling names for Pam
Names that share Pam's style, for a brother or sister.
