At a glance
- U.S. rank 2025
- #8,243 of boy names (outside the top 1,000)
- Babies in 2025
- 9 (<0.01% of boys)
- Peak
- #6,324 in 2015
- First recorded
- 1990
Meaning of Essam
Essam bursts onto the scene with a vibrant promise. Rooted in Arabic, it means “defender” or “protector.” Pronounced ES-uhm, it rolls off the tongue like a warm breeze. This name stands tall like an ancient citadel, full of sabor and fuerza. Parents imagine a little boy with guardian-level skills before he can even crawl, a brave corazón ready to light up any room. Though still rare in U.S. nurseries, Essam sparks global flair and heartfelt heritage. Every syllable whispers of courage and a bright future.
How to pronounce Essam
Arabic
- Pronounced ES-uhm /ɛsəm/
Popularity of Essam in the U.S.
Essam was the #8,243 boy name in the U.S. in 2025, with 9 babies. It peaked at #6,324 in 2015. It first appears in the records in 1990.
- Rank among U.S. boy names (right scale, #1 at the top)
Year-by-year table, 1990–2025 20 rows
| Year | Babies | Rank | vs previous year |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 9 | 8,243 | ▼ 1,774 |
| 2024 | 13 | 6,469 | ▲ 3,294 |
| 2023 | 7 | 9,763 | ▼ 1,463 |
| 2022 | 9 | 8,300 | ▲ 2,499 |
| 2021 | 6 | 10,799 | back (not recorded in 2020) |
| 2019 | 6 | 10,803 | ▲ 1,353 |
| 2018 | 5 | 12,156 | ▲ 90 |
| 2017 | 5 | 12,246 | ▼ 1,502 |
| 2016 | 6 | 10,744 | ▼ 4,420 |
| 2015 | 13 | 6,324 | ▲ 1,238 |
| 2014 | 10 | 7,562 | ▲ 4,574 |
| 2013 | 5 | 12,136 | back (not recorded in 2012) |
| 2011 | 8 | 8,767 | ▲ 926 |
| 2010 | 7 | 9,693 | back (not recorded in 2009) |
| 2008 | 5 | 12,553 | ▼ 5,459 |
| 2007 | 11 | 7,094 | ▲ 1,638 |
| 2006 | 8 | 8,732 | back (not recorded in 2004–2005) |
| 2003 | 5 | 10,894 | back (not recorded in 1999–2002) |
| 1998 | 5 | 9,631 | back (not recorded in 1991–1997) |
| 1990 | 5 | 8,117 | new |
Notable people named Essam
- Essam El Hadary is an Egyptian goalkeeping coach and former goalkeeper celebrated as one of Egypt's greatest footballers.
- Essam Heggy is an Egyptian, American and French space scientist.
- Essam Al-Muwallad is a Saudi footballer who plays as a midfielder for Al-Houra.
- Essam al-Buwaydhani is a Syrian military officer and former rebel leader who became head of Jaysh al-Islam in 2015.
- Essam Abdel-Azim is a former footballer who played for Egypt's national team.
- Essam bin Abdulla Khalaf is a Bahraini politician who has served as Minister of Works, Municipalities and Urban Planning.