What does Saleh mean and where does it come from?
Saleh is traditionally a male name from Arabic origin, however, in recent times, it has been adopted as a female name in some cultures. The name means 'righteous' or 'virtuous' and is used to convey respectability and moral integrity. Notable references exist in Islamic texts where figures named Sal
Cultural significance
Saleh has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of صالح.
Peak popularity
Reached #1820 in 2018 — currently #1962 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Saleh?
Saleh works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Saleh Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Saleh Rose
Floral · soft ending
Saleh Mae
Sweet · timeless
Saleh Claire
French influence · crisp
Saleh Jane
Literary · strong
Saleh Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Saleh right now?
Rising fast — up 92 spots — currently #1962 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1962 | 79 | ▲ up 92 · +7% births |
| 2022 | #2054 | 74 | ▲ up 239 · +21% births |
| 2021 | #2293 | 61 | ▼ down 94 · -2% births |
| 2020 | #2199 | 62 | ▲ up 137 · +11% births |
| 2015 | #2336 | 56 | ▲ up 824 · +56% births |
| 2010 | #3160 | 36 | ▼ down 568 · -16% births |
| 2005 | #2592 | 43 | ▲ up 665 · +65% births |
| 2000 | #3257 | 26 | ▼ down 440 |
| 1995 | #2817 | 26 | ▲ up 1093 · +73% births |
| 1990 | #3910 | 15 | ▲ up 1675 · +114% births |
| 1985 | #5585 | 7 | ▼ down 221 |
| 1980 | #5364 | 7 | ▲ up 754 · +40% births |
| 1975 | #6118 | 5 | — |
The story of Saleh
Saleh is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1974. With 1,421 total births recorded, Saleh remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6118 in 1975 to #1962 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Saleh in 2018:
Saleh by decade
Saleh peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 31 | |
| 1980s | 136 | |
| 1990s | 240 | |
| 2000s | 363 | |
| 2010s ★ | 589 | |
| 2020s | 62 | |
💎With 1,421 total births, Saleh is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Saleh?
Famous people named Saleh
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Saleh (Quranic figure)
Saleh appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
S(
Saleh (Arab poet)
Saleh carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
S(
Saleh (historical Arab ruler)
Saleh held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
S(
Saleh (Sufi mystic)
Saleh used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Saleh?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Saleh also consider these
How is Saleh written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Saleh
What does the name Saleh mean?
Saleh means "صالح" — 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 Saleh?
Saleh is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Saleh have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Saleh?
Saleh 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 Saleh?
Saleh is a two-syllable name pronounced S AA1 L EH0 HH. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Saleh trending right now?
Saleh is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.