Declining since 2004, #9,714 for boys today.
Popularity of Shyam since 1971
Babies named Shyam per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1970s | 33 |
| 1980s | 108 |
| 1990s | 204 |
| 2000s | 241 |
| 2010s | 125 |
| 2020s | 43 |
Meaning & origin
Shyam is a Sanskrit name meaning 'dark-colored' or 'blue-black,' intimately tied to the Hindu deity Krishna, who is often depicted with dark skin. In the U.S., the name has seen modest but steady use since 1971, with a peak in 2005. Since 2004, its popularity has been falling; in 2025, it ranked 9,714 and occurred at a rate of 1 in 244,011 births. While top states are not recorded, the name remains culturally significant in Indian-American communities. Its trajectory reflects a broader trend of traditional names gradually giving way to shorter or more modern choices, but Shyam retains its spiritual resonance for many families.
Shyam (श्याम) is a Sanskrit adjective meaning 'dark-colored,' 'blue-black,' or 'dark.' It is a prominent epithet of the Hindu god Krishna, who is often depicted with dark blue or black skin. The name has been widely used across India and in Hindu communities worldwide, particularly favored by families devoted to Krishna.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Shyamu
Variants: Shyaam, Syam
Sibling names for Shyam
Names that share Shyam's style, for a brother or sister.
