Atum is an ancient Egyptian name that has gained popularity in recent years. It is of Egyptian origin and its meaning is often associated with the concept of creation.
In Egyptian mythology, Atum was considered to be the first god and the creator of all things. He was believed to have emerged from the primordial waters, known as Nu, and created the earth and sky by spitting out Shu (the god of air) and swallowing his wife Tefnut (the goddess of moisture). This act resulted in the birth of their children Geb (the god of earth) and Nut (the goddess of the sky).
The name Atum is believed to mean "complete" or "completion." It was often used as a title for pharaohs, signifying that they were responsible for the completion of creation. The word "Atum" can also be translated as "yesterday," reflecting the idea that Atum existed before time began.
Throughout Egyptian history, Atum was worshiped in various forms and under different names. He was often associated with Ra, the sun god, and was sometimes depicted as an old man with a bald head or as a ram. Temples dedicated to Atum could be found throughout Egypt, but his primary cult center was at Heliopolis.
Despite its ancient origins, the name Atum has seen renewed popularity in recent years. It is often chosen by parents who are interested in Egyptian history or mythology and want to give their child a unique and meaningful name with a rich cultural heritage.
The name Atum experienced a notable drop in popularity between 2019 and 2020, with only five births registered in the latter year compared to six in the former. However, it rebounded significantly in 2022, with eight births recorded. In total, there were nineteen babies named Atum born over these three years.