Hiram
Hiram Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity
/ˈhaɪ.ɹəm/
Meaning of Hiram: Hiram derives from the Phoenician name თრმ (Ḥīrom), meaning “exalted brother” or “the brother is exalted.” The Phoenician root ḥrm or ḥrm (exalted) appears in multiple Northwest Semitic languages.
The name is also attested in Hebrew as Hīrām (חִירָם) in the Books of Kings and Chronicles, where it refers to the King of Tyre who furnished cedar, skilled craftsmen, and architectural expertise for Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem (c. 950 BC).
Hiram I of Tyre was a celebrated Phoenician king whose alliance with David and Solomon made him one of the best-documented rulers of the ancient Levant outside Israel. His craftsmen built the Temple and Solomon’s palace, and his fleet sailed with Solomon’s ships from Ezion-geber.
What Does Hiram Mean? Origin & Etymology
In Freemasonry, a legendary figure named Hiram Abiff - the master builder of Solomon’s Temple - plays a central role in Masonic ritual and symbolism, giving the name additional cultural weight from the 17th century onward.
In English use, Hiram became popular among Puritans after the Protestant Reformation encouraged biblical naming. The 17th-century Puritan emigrants brought it to New England, where it ranked consistently in the US top 100 through the 1800s.
The name peaked around the 1840s–1860s. US President Ulysses S. Grant was born Hiram Ulysses Grant. Today Hiram is rare but not unknown in the United States, carrying a distinctly 19th-century American vintage quality. Further reading: etymology records and US popularity records from SSA.
Numerology & Symbolism of Hiram
Based on Pythagorean numerology — a traditional system linking name letters to numbers. Presented for cultural interest.
Hiram – Similar Names & Alternatives
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Frequently Asked Questions about Hiram
What does Hiram mean?
Hiram is unknown origin 'exalted brother' meaning exalted brother; This was the name of a king of Tyre according to the Old Testament ..
How popular is Hiram?
Hiram is rarely used in the United States but maintains its standing in Biblical, English. SSA records show no significant US ranking for this name.
How do you pronounce Hiram?
Hiram is pronounced /ˈhaɪ.ɹəm/. The name originates in Biblical, English tradition.
What are variants of Hiram?
Hiram has related forms in other languages: Chiram (Biblical Hebrew), Hirom (Phoenician). These variants all share the same root and meaning.