Ham is of Old Norse origin, meaning 'home'. It was introduced to England by Scandinavian settlers and has been used in various forms throughout history. In Shakespeare's play "Hamlet", the character Hamlet is one of the most famous bearers of this name, giving it a literary association that has endured for centuries. Today, Ham remains a rare but distinct given name, often chosen for its unique sound and historical significance.
"The name Ham experienced a brief spike in popularity between 1886 and 1929, with the highest number of births occurring in 1918."