Saleem

“Safe; secure”

Arabic origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#2723US 2023

48Births / yr

↑Rising

1.7kAll-time births

📅 Since 196000

How to pronounce Saleem

SAL·eem

/ˈsæl.iːm/ · stress on SAL · 2 syllables

“Safe; secure”

Arabic origin · Boy name

What does Saleem mean and where does it come from?

Saleem is of Arabic and Urdu origin, commonly used in various cultures across the Middle East and South Asia. The name signifies safety, security, and health, often connoting a sense of well-being and peace. Saleem has been a popular name among Muslims, and it is recognized for its positive attribut

Cultural significance

Saleem has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of safe; secure.

Peak popularity

Reached #1160 in 1980 — currently #2723 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Saleem?

Saleem works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Saleem Grace

How popular is Saleem right now?

Rising fast — up 182 spots — currently #2723 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1960–2023#2723 · Top 2.0%

1960

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#2723	48	▲ up 182 · +9% births
2022	#2905	44	▼ down 181 · -6% births
2021	#2724	47	▲ up 77 · +9% births
2020	#2801	43	▲ up 20 · +2% births
2015	#2821	42	▼ down 121 · -7% births
2010	#2700	45	▲ up 163 · +22% births
2005	#2863	37	▲ up 166 · +28% births
2000	#3029	29	▼ down 312 · +7% births
1995	#2717	27	▼ down 189
1990	#2528	27	▼ down 190 · +17% births
1985	#2338	23	▼ down 1178 · -63% births
1980	#1160	62	▲ up 3435 · +786% births
1975	#4595	7	▲ up 604 · +40% births
1970	#5199	5	▼ down 618
1960	#4581	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Saleem

Best Year1980Rank #1160

Peak Count62

Average Rank#3046

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1960 - 202315 years

The story of Saleem

Saleem entered American naming records in 1960 and has been in use for over 64 years. With 1,680 total births recorded, Saleem remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4581 in 1960 to #2723 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Saleem in 1980:

Michael Christopher Jason David James

Saleem by decade

Saleem peaked in the 1980s. See all 1980s names →

Decade	Births
1960s	17
1970s	177
1980s	307
1990s	296
2000s	369
2010s ★	471
2020s	43

💎With 1,680 total births, Saleem is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Saleem?

Common

SalSalieSalyAleem

Famous people named Saleem

Saleem (historical Arab ruler)

Saleem held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Saleem (Quranic figure)

Saleem appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Saleem (Arab poet)

Saleem carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.

Saleem (historical Arab ruler)

Saleem held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

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What names sound and feel like Saleem?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Saleem also consider these

Arabic · Speaker, one who

Haleem

Arabic · Gentle, mild, patient

Aleem

Arabic · learned, knowledgeable

How is Saleem written in other languages?

سليم

Arabic

What are the girl versions of Saleem?

Salima ARABIC Selima ARABIC

Common questions about the name Saleem

What does the name Saleem mean?

Saleem means "Safe; secure" — 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 Saleem?

Saleem is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Saleem?

Saleem 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 Saleem?

Saleem is a two-syllable name pronounced S AE1 L IY0 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Saleem a common or rare name?

Saleem is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.