Saleh Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SAH-leh //ˈsɑː.lɛ//
Origin: Arabic
Meaning: Righteous; virtuous
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Saleh has its roots in the Arabic language, derived from the word "صالح" (ṣāliḥ), which translates to "righteous" or "virtuous." This etymology reflects a significant cultural and religious value in Islamic tradition, where righteousness is a highly esteemed quality. The name has been adopted in various forms across different cultures and languages, often retaining its original meaning.
In the context of Arabic, Saleh is commonly used as a given name for boys and has historical significance in Islamic texts and narratives. Historically, the name Saleh is associated with the figure of Saleh in Islamic tradition, who is considered a prophet mentioned in the Quran.
He is known for his role in the story of the Thamud people, who were said to have rejected his message and faced divine punishment. This narrative, which dates back to the 7th century when the Quran was revealed, has contributed to the name's enduring presence in Muslim cultures.
Additionally, the name appears in various historical texts and has been borne by notable figures throughout Islamic history, reinforcing its significance. Culturally, the name Saleh embodies ideals of moral integrity and ethical behavior, making it a favored choice among families wishing to impart these values to their children.
The name's association with righteousness resonates deeply in Islamic teachings, where the concept of being "Saleh" is often linked to one's character and actions in life. Variants of the name, such as Salih, are also found in different regions, reflecting the linguistic diversity within the Arabic-speaking world.
Overall, the name Saleh carries a rich historical and cultural legacy that continues to be respected and valued.
Famous people named Saleh
In this section, you will find notable people named Saleh. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Saleh who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Saleh who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Saleh Al-Fadhli is a poet best known for his contributions to contemporary Arabic literature.
Saleh Abdeslam is a criminal best known for his involvement in the November 2015 Paris attacks.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Saleh, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Saleh. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Saleh was first seen in the United States in 1974.
Saleh has ranked as high as #3977 nationally, which occurred in 2018, and has been most popular in New York, California, Michigan, Illinois, and Texas.
In the past 5 years the name Saleh has been trending about the same compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Saleh is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Saleh was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Saleh.
| Year | Total Births | Boy | Girl |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 55 | 55 | 0 |
| 2024 | 81 | 81 | 0 |
| 2023 | 79 | 79 | 0 |
| 2022 | 80 | 74 | 6 |
| 2021 | 61 | 61 | 0 |
| 2020 | 63 | 63 | 0 |
| 2019 | 61 | 61 | 0 |
| 2018 | 83 | 83 | 0 |
| 2017 | 74 | 74 | 0 |
| 2016 | 75 | 75 | 0 |
| 2015 | 56 | 56 | 0 |
| 2014 | 59 | 59 | 0 |
| 2013 | 54 | 54 | 0 |
| 2012 | 48 | 48 | 0 |
| 2011 | 45 | 45 | 0 |
| 2010 | 36 | 36 | 0 |
| 2009 | 38 | 38 | 0 |
| 2008 | 49 | 49 | 0 |
| 2007 | 50 | 50 | 0 |
| 2006 | 35 | 35 | 0 |
| 2005 | 43 | 43 | 0 |
| 2004 | 36 | 36 | 0 |
| 2003 | 32 | 32 | 0 |
| 2002 | 30 | 30 | 0 |
| 2001 | 25 | 25 | 0 |
| 2000 | 26 | 26 | 0 |
| 1999 | 24 | 24 | 0 |
| 1998 | 28 | 28 | 0 |
| 1997 | 26 | 26 | 0 |
| 1996 | 22 | 22 | 0 |
| 1995 | 26 | 26 | 0 |
| 1994 | 22 | 22 | 0 |
| 1993 | 24 | 24 | 0 |
| 1992 | 29 | 29 | 0 |
| 1991 | 25 | 25 | 0 |
| 1990 | 15 | 15 | 0 |
| 1989 | 24 | 24 | 0 |
| 1988 | 19 | 19 | 0 |
| 1987 | 10 | 10 | 0 |
| 1986 | 13 | 13 | 0 |
| 1985 | 8 | 8 | 0 |
| 1984 | 16 | 16 | 0 |
| 1983 | 11 | 11 | 0 |
| 1982 | 17 | 17 | 0 |
| 1981 | 12 | 12 | 0 |
| 1980 | 7 | 7 | 0 |
| 1979 | 6 | 6 | 0 |
| 1978 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1977 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1976 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1975 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
| 1974 | 5 | 5 | 0 |
Top States for Saleh (2024)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 16 | |
| MI | 9 | |
| CA | 6 |