Salem Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationSAY-lum / /ˈseɪ.ləm/Hebrew; Arabic
Meaning
Hebrew: peace; Arabic: safe
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Salem has roots in both Hebrew and Arabic cultures. In Hebrew, it is often associated with the concept of peace, deriving from the word 'shalom.' In Arabic, it signifies safety and security. The name is also linked to the historical city of Salem, which is mentioned in biblical texts. It has gained popularity in various cultures and is used for both genders, though it is more commonly given to girls in recent years.
Trend Summary
Salem has seen a gradual increase in popularity for girls in the United States over the past few decades.
Similar Names
Variants
- Salemah
- Salima
International Variants
- Salem (Arabic)
- Salem (Hebrew)
Famous people named Salem
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Fictional characters named Salem
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Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Salem was first seen in the United States in 1976. Salem has ranked as high as #720 nationally, which occurred in 2023, and has been most popular in North Carolina, Texas, California, Ohio, and Tennessee. In the past 5 years the name Salem has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Salem (2024)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 77 | |
NC | 60 | |
CA | 50 | |
OH | 35 | |
TN | 32 | |
FL | 29 | |
IN | 27 | |
KY | 26 | |
OK | 26 | |
GA | 23 | |
UT | 20 | |
IL | 19 | |
NY | 18 | |
PA | 18 | |
MO | 15 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1976 | 9 |
1977 | 9 |
1978 | 8 |
1979 | 8 |
1980 | 9 |
1982 | 7 |
1983 | 10 |
1984 | 12 |
1985 | 8 |
1986 | 10 |
1987 | 11 |
1988 | 11 |
1989 | 10 |
1990 | 10 |
1991 | 10 |
1992 | 15 |
1993 | 10 |
1994 | 17 |
1995 | 20 |
1996 | 21 |
1997 | 33 |
1998 | 39 |
1999 | 41 |
2000 | 38 |
2001 | 52 |
2002 | 56 |
2003 | 44 |
2004 | 51 |
2005 | 57 |
2006 | 54 |
2007 | 56 |
2008 | 65 |
2009 | 82 |
2010 | 67 |
2011 | 65 |
2012 | 85 |
2013 | 91 |
2014 | 144 |
2015 | 162 |
2016 | 188 |
2017 | 204 |
2018 | 257 |
2019 | 377 |
2020 | 479 |
2021 | 614 |
2022 | 699 |
2023 | 734 |
2024 | 715 |