azm

Azm is a masculine Arabic given name and a surname. The word derives from the Arabic root ع-ز-م, which conveys firmness, resolve, or determination; in modern usage it often carries connotations of steadfastness. As a given name, Azm appears in various Arab-speaking communities and can appear in different transliterations, such as Azem or Azzam.

Historically, the Azm (al-Azm) family was a prominent aristocratic clan in Ottoman Syria. Members of the family held high administrative posts and governed several provincial centers, especially in the 17th and 18th centuries. The family’s influence is most closely associated with Damascus, where a number of rulers and governors belonged to the Al-Azm line.

A notable legacy of the family is Beit al-Azm, commonly known as the Azm Palace, in the old city of Damascus. The palace was constructed in the 18th century by As'ad Pasha al-Azm and served as an administrative and ceremonial residence. It is regarded as a landmark example of local palatial architecture from the Ottoman period, illustrating the urban palace-house form used by elite families in Damascus.

In modern times, Azm remains in use as a surname among descendants of the Al-Azm family and others. The name is also encountered in different spellings due to transliteration from Arabic, including Azem and Azzam.