Nam
Every Nam since 1975 — 1,404 of them. Popularity, births, and rankings for each year, from official Social Security records.
The story of Nam
Nam is rare for boys in the United States, ranked #9,446 in 2025 with 8 babies given the name. It is currently declining compared with a decade ago.
Since 1975, 1,404 American babies have been named Nam. Its peak came in 1984, when 58 newborns received the name — the signature sound of the 1980s.
The chart above shows the full history: the popularity view (births per 1,000 babies) is the honest comparison across generations, since total US births have changed enormously since 1880. Switch to the rank view to see where Nam stood among all boys' names in any year, or use the compare tool to plot it against other names.
Nam year by year
Every year since 2001, and five-year steps back to 1880. Rank is within each sex.
| Year | Boys | Boys rank |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 8 | #9,446 |
| 2024 | 9 | #8,770 |
| 2023 | 8 | #9,482 |
| 2022 | 5 | #13,737 |
| 2021 | 12 | #6,977 |
| 2020 | 14 | #6,190 |
| 2019 | 18 | #5,288 |
| 2018 | 18 | #5,246 |
| 2017 | 26 | #4,061 |
| 2016 | 26 | #4,061 |
| 2015 | 29 | #3,755 |
| 2014 | 17 | #5,408 |
| 2013 | 22 | #4,417 |
| 2012 | 28 | #3,777 |
| 2011 | 27 | #3,862 |
| 2010 | 23 | #4,325 |
| 2009 | 28 | #3,794 |
| 2008 | 16 | #5,685 |
| 2007 | 37 | #3,117 |
| 2006 | 19 | #4,806 |
| 2005 | 26 | #3,690 |
| 2004 | 32 | #3,132 |
| 2003 | 21 | #4,070 |
| 2002 | 25 | #3,528 |
| 2001 | 22 | #3,808 |
| 2000 | 24 | #3,498 |
| 1995 | 35 | #2,282 |
| 1990 | 36 | #2,068 |
| 1985 | 46 | #1,470 |
| 1980 | 40 | #1,534 |
| 1975 | 14 | #2,861 |
| 1970 | — | — |
| 1965 | — | — |
| 1960 | — | — |
| 1955 | — | — |
| 1950 | — | — |
| 1945 | — | — |
| 1940 | — | — |
| 1935 | — | — |
| 1930 | — | — |
| 1925 | — | — |
| 1920 | — | — |
| 1915 | — | — |
| 1910 | — | — |
| 1905 | — | — |
| 1900 | — | — |
| 1895 | — | — |
| 1890 | — | — |
| 1885 | — | — |
| 1880 | — | — |
Famous people named Nam
- Nam June Paik Musician · 1932–2006
- Nam Joo-hyuk Actor · b. 1994
- Nam Gyu-ri Actor · b. 1985
- Nam Woo-hyun Singer · b. 1991
- Nam Hyun-hee Fencer · b. 1981
Ranked by global fame across Wikipedia editions (Pantheon project, MIT).
Frequently asked questions
How popular is the name Nam in 2025?
Nam ranked #9,446 among boys' names in the United States in 2025, with 8 babies given the name, according to Social Security Administration data.
How many people are named Nam?
1,404 babies have been named Nam in the United States since 1975, based on Social Security card applications.
When was the name Nam most popular?
Nam peaked in 1984, when 58 newborns received the name.
Is Nam a boy or girl name?
Nam is overwhelmingly a boy's name — 100% of babies with the name.
Is the name Nam rising or falling?
Nam is declining — less popular now than a decade ago.
Who are famous people named Nam?
Well-known people named Nam include Nam June Paik (musician), Nam Joo-hyuk (actor), Nam Gyu-ri (actor).