What does Salih mean and where does it come from?
Salih (صالح) is a popular name in Arabic-speaking countries and is often given to boys in Muslim families as it signifies righteousness. The name is derived from the Arabic root ص ل ح (ṣ-l-ḥ) which broadly means 'to be good or to be right'. It's also notable in Islamic tradition, as there are figure
Cultural significance
Salih has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of righteous, virtuous.
Peak popularity
Reached #3825 in 2017 — currently #4678 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Salih?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Salih?
Salih works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Salih Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Salih John
One syllable · timeless choice
Salih Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Salih Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Salih Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Salih Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Salih right now?
Falling — down 265 spots — currently #4678 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #4678 | 22 | ▼ down 265 · -8% births |
| 2024 | #4413 | 24 | ▲ up 797 · +26% births |
| 2023 | #5210 | 19 | ▲ up 385 · +12% births |
| 2022 | #5595 | 17 | ▼ down 695 · -15% births |
| 2021 | #4900 | 20 | ▲ up 1441 · +54% births |
| 2020 | #6341 | 13 | ▼ down 2224 · -48% births |
| 2015 | #4117 | 25 | ▲ up 1009 · +39% births |
| 2010 | #5126 | 18 | ▲ up 5385 · +200% births |
| 2005 | #10511 | 6 | ▼ down 4421 · -45% births |
| 2000 | #6090 | 11 | ▼ down 1124 · -8% births |
| 1995 | #4966 | 12 | ▲ up 1061 · +100% births |
| 1980 | #6027 | 6 | — |
The story of Salih
Salih is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1973. With 485 total births recorded, Salih remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #6027 in 1980 to #5210 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Salih in 2017:
Salih by decade
Salih peaked in the 2010s. See all 2010s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1970s | 31 | |
| 1980s | 34 | |
| 1990s | 67 | |
| 2000s | 137 | |
| 2010s ★ | 203 | |
| 2020s | 59 | |
💎Salih has only 485 total recorded births since 1973 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Salih?
Famous people named Salih
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Salih (Islamic scholar)
Salih bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Salih (Quranic figure)
Salih appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
S(
Salih (Arab poet)
Salih carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
S(
Salih (historical Arab ruler)
Salih held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Salih?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Salih also consider these
How is Salih written in other languages?
What are the girl versions of Salih?
Common questions about the name Salih
What does the name Salih mean?
Salih means "righteous, virtuous" — 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 Salih?
Salih 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 Salih?
Salih 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.
Is Salih a common or rare name?
Salih is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
Is Salih a classic or a modern name?
Salih has Arabic roots that go back many centuries, making it a genuine classic rather than a modern invention. Its staying power across generations reflects its fundamental appeal and the strength of its meaning.