Salem

“Peace, safe”

Arabic origin · Unisex name

♂ 47% boys♀ 53% girls

#417US 2023

734Births / yr

↑Rising

5.6kAll-time births

📅 Since 197600.03% of births at peak

How to pronounce Salem

SAY·lum

/ˈseɪ.ləm/ · stress on SAY · 2 syllables

“Peace, safe”

Arabic origin · Unisex name

What does Salem mean and where does it come from?

Salem is a unisex name, though it is more frequently used for females in modern contexts. The name has roots in both Arabic and Hebrew, connecting to meanings of peace and completeness. Salem gained notoriety during the Salem witch trials in the late 17th century in Massachusetts, USA. In contempora

Cultural significance

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

Peak popularity

Reached #607 in 2020 — currently #417 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Salem?

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

Salem Grace

How popular is Salem right now?

Rising — up 32 spots — currently #417 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1980–2023#417 · Top 0.31%

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#417	734	▲ up 32 · +5% births
2022	#449	699	▲ up 57 · +14% births
2021	#506	614	▲ up 101 · +30% births
2020	#607	474	▲ up 820 · +193% births
2015	#1427	162	▲ up 1243 · +142% births
2010	#2670	67	▲ up 202 · +18% births
2005	#2872	57	▲ up 593 · +50% births
2000	#3465	38	▲ up 1408 · +90% births
1995	#4873	20	▲ up 3088 · +100% births
1990	#7961	10	▼ down 304 · +25% births
1985	#7657	8	▼ down 775 · -11% births
1980	#6882	9	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Salem

Best Year2023Rank #417

Peak Count734

Average Rank#3316

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1980 - 202312 years

The story of Salem

Salem is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1976. With 5,640 total births recorded, Salem remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6882 in 1980 to #417 in 2023. Salem is used for both genders: 53% female and 47% male.

Names that peaked alongside Salem in 2020:

Olivia Emma Ava Charlotte Sophia

Salem by decade

Salem peaked in the 2020s. See all 2020s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	36
1920s	39
1930s	8
1940s	14
1950s	11
1960s	23
1970s	133
1980s	247
1990s	471
2000s	1,026
2010s ★	2,873
2020s	759

💎With 5,640 total births, Salem is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Salem?

Common

SalSalieSaly

Famous people named Salem

Salem (Quranic figure)

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

Salem (Arab poet)

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

Salem (Islamic scholar)

Salem bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.

Salem (Quranic figure)

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

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Celebrity Names

What celebrities named their babies in 2025

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What names sound and feel like Salem?

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

Saleh

Arabic · صالح

Saleem

Arabic · Safe; secure

Saylem

American · calm, peaceful

Arabic · A Arabic name

Jalem

Hebrew · To be complete

Common questions about the name Salem

What does the name Salem mean?

Salem means "Peace, safe" — 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 Salem?

Salem is currently ranked #417 in the United States as a baby name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Salem have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Salem?

Salem 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 Salem?

Salem is a two-syllable name pronounced S EY1 L AH0 M. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

Is Salem trending right now?

Salem is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.