Saleh

“صالح”

Arabic origin · Unisex name

♂ 50% boys♀ 50% girls

#1962US 2023

79Births / yr

↑Rising

1.4kAll-time births

📅 Since 197400

How to pronounce Saleh

SAH·leh

/ˈsɑ.lɛh/ · stress on SAH · 2 syllables

“صالح”

Arabic origin · Unisex name

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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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

How popular is Saleh right now?

Rising fast — up 92 spots — currently #1962 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1975–2023#1962 · Top 1.4%

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Saleh

Best Year2023Rank #1962

Peak Count79

Average Rank#3357

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1975 - 202313 years

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:

Liam Noah William James Oliver

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?

Common

SalSalieSaly

Famous people named Saleh

Saleh (Quranic figure)

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

Saleh (Arab poet)

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

Saleh (historical Arab ruler)

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

Saleh (Sufi mystic)

Saleh used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

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What names sound and feel like Saleh?

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

Salem

Arabic · Peace, safe

Aleh

Arabic · A Arabic name

Sameh

Arabic · one who is

Salet

Spain · Derived from 'Sal'

Salah

Arabic · Righteousness

Haleh

Persian · a name from

How is Saleh written in other languages?

صالح

Arabic

Gender variants of Saleh

Salha ARABIC Saliha ARABIC

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.