Holding steady.
Popularity of Pelham since 1912
Babies named Pelham per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 35 |
| 1920s | 38 |
| 1930s | 18 |
| 1940s | 10 |
| 1950s | 17 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 5 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Pelham is a rare English given name that has seen minimal usage in the United States. First recorded in 1912, the name reached its peak popularity in 1913, though even then it did not crack the top 1000. Since that peak year, its usage has remained consistently low, and in 2025, no births were recorded, making it effectively extinct as a modern choice. The name is strongly associated with the early 20th century and carries an old-fashioned, aristocratic feel. Its top states include no states with significant usage, emphasizing its rarity. Pelham offers a distinctive option for parents seeking an obscure surname-style name with historical depth, though it remains a truly uncommon choice.
Pelham originates as an English surname and place name, from Old English 'Peola' (a personal name) or 'pyl' (a stake or post) combined with 'ham' (homestead, village). The name was historically associated with the Pelham family in England, and it was occasionally used as a given name in the 19th and early 20th centuries.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pell, Ham
Sibling names for Pelham
Names that share Pelham's style, for a brother or sister.
