What does Islam mean and where does it come from?
The name Islam is derived from the Arabic root ‘S-L-M’ which means peace and submission. It is commonly used in Muslim-majority countries and is associated with the religion of Islam, representing a state of peace achieved through submission to the will of God. While traditionally seen as unisex, it
Cultural significance
Islam has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of تحية.
Peak popularity
Reached #7274 in 1989 — currently #1974 in the US.
🌿
Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Islam?
Islam works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Islam Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Islam Rose
Floral · soft ending
Islam Mae
Sweet · timeless
Islam Claire
French influence · crisp
Islam Jane
Literary · strong
Islam Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Islam right now?
Holding steady — currently #1974 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1974 | 226 | ▲ up 5 · +10% births |
| 2022 | #1979 | 206 | ▲ up 5 · +17% births |
| 2021 | #1984 | 176 | ▲ up 9151 · +2100% births |
| 2000 | #11135 | 8 | ▼ down 80 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #11055 | 7 | ▼ down 236 |
| 1990 | #10819 | 7 | — |
The story of Islam
Islam is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1986. With 702 total births recorded, Islam remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #10819 in 1990 to #1974 in 2023. Islam is used for both genders: 18% female and 82% male.
Names that peaked alongside Islam in 1989:
Islam by decade
Islam peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 30 | |
| 1980s | 79 | |
| 1990s ★ | 247 | |
| 2000s | 174 | |
| 2010s | 151 | |
| 2020s | 21 | |
💎Islam has only 702 total recorded births since 1986 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Islam?
Famous people named Islam
I(
Islam (Arab poet)
Islam carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
I(
Islam (Islamic scholar)
Islam bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
I(
Islam (Quranic figure)
Islam appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
I(
Islam (Arab poet)
Islam carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
👑
Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Islam?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Islam also consider these
Common questions about the name Islam
What does the name Islam mean?
Islam means "تحية" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Islam?
Islam is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Islam?
Islam originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Islam?
Islam is a two-syllable name pronounced IH1 S L AA2 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Islam a common or rare name?
Islam is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.