Salih Boy
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SAH-leeh /ˈsɑːliːh/
Origin: Arabic; Turkish
Meaning: Arabic: virtuous; Turkish: righteous
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Salih has its roots in the Arabic language, derived from the root word "ṣ-l-ḥ" which conveys meanings related to righteousness, goodness, and virtue. The earliest forms of the name can be traced back to the pre-Islamic era in the Arabian Peninsula, where it was used to denote individuals of moral integrity.
The name entered into broader usage with the advent of Islam in the 7th century, as it is associated with the Quranic concept of being righteous and pious, which is highly valued in Islamic teachings. Historically, the name Salih is notably linked to Salih ibn Ubaid, a prophet mentioned in the Quran, who is recognized for his role in guiding the Thamud people.
This association with a prophetic figure has contributed to the name's significance within Islamic culture. The Quran, which was compiled in the 7th century, includes references to Salih, thereby solidifying the name's importance in religious texts and among Muslim communities.
The name has also been borne by various notable figures throughout Islamic history, including scholars and leaders, further embedding it within the cultural and religious fabric of the Muslim world. Culturally, the name Salih embodies ideals of moral excellence and ethical behavior, making it a respected choice among Arabic-speaking populations.
Its resonance is enhanced by the traditional values placed on righteousness in many Islamic societies. The name may also appear in various diminutive forms or related names, such as Saleh, which share similar meanings and connotations.
Overall, Salih represents a blend of linguistic heritage and cultural significance, reflecting the values of goodness and virtue that are central to Islamic teachings.
Famous people named Salih
In this section, you will find notable people named Salih. 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 Salih who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Salih 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.
Salih Muslim is a politician best known for his role as a co-chair of the Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Syria.
Salih Zeki is a Turkish painter best known for his contributions to modern Turkish art and his unique style.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Salih, 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 Salih. 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 Salih was first seen in the United States in 1973.
Salih has ranked as high as #8239 nationally, which occurred in 2017, and has been most popular in New York, Texas, and California.
In the past 5 years the name Salih has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Salih 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 Salih 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 Salih.
| Year | Total Births | Boy |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 22 | 22 |
| 2024 | 24 | 24 |
| 2023 | 19 | 19 |
| 2022 | 17 | 17 |
| 2021 | 20 | 20 |
| 2020 | 13 | 13 |
| 2019 | 25 | 25 |
| 2018 | 20 | 20 |
| 2017 | 28 | 28 |
| 2016 | 17 | 17 |
| 2015 | 25 | 25 |
| 2014 | 21 | 21 |
| 2013 | 20 | 20 |
| 2012 | 16 | 16 |
| 2011 | 13 | 13 |
| 2010 | 18 | 18 |
| 2009 | 20 | 20 |
| 2008 | 17 | 17 |
| 2007 | 14 | 14 |
| 2006 | 10 | 10 |
| 2005 | 6 | 6 |
| 2004 | 14 | 14 |
| 2003 | 16 | 16 |
| 2002 | 11 | 11 |
| 2001 | 18 | 18 |
| 2000 | 11 | 11 |
| 1999 | 5 | 5 |
| 1998 | 13 | 13 |
| 1996 | 8 | 8 |
| 1995 | 12 | 12 |
| 1994 | 12 | 12 |
| 1993 | 6 | 6 |
| 1992 | 5 | 5 |
| 1991 | 6 | 6 |
| 1988 | 10 | 10 |
| 1983 | 5 | 5 |
| 1982 | 7 | 7 |
| 1981 | 6 | 6 |
| 1980 | 6 | 6 |
| 1979 | 6 | 6 |
| 1978 | 7 | 7 |
| 1976 | 5 | 5 |
| 1974 | 8 | 8 |
| 1973 | 5 | 5 |
Top States for Salih (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 |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 6 |