Emma Girl
EH-muh
“whole, universal” · Germanic
#3
Salem
UnisexHebrew, Arabic· “peace”
- Meaning
- peace
- Origin
- Hebrew, Arabic
- Pronunciation
- SAY-luhm
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #436
- US babies 2025
- 711
- Best rank
- #417 (2023)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Salem
Salem is a Hebrew and Arabic name that is usually said to mean “peace”.
Salem comes from the Hebrew shalem, related to shalom, "peace" or "complete", and it has an Arabic counterpart, Salim, meaning "safe" or "sound". In the Book of Genesis, Salem is the city ruled by Melchizedek, traditionally identified with Jerusalem. Many towns in the United States are named Salem, including Salem in Massachusetts, famous for the witch trials of the seventeenth century, and Salem, the capital of Oregon. As a given name Salem is used for boys and girls. It has a calm, simple sound and a peaceful meaning.
Popularity over time
Salem first appears in US Social Security records in 1976. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 7 different years, starting in 2019. Its best national rank was #417 in 2023, the same year it reached its highest count of 734 babies. In 2025, 711 babies were named Salem, and it ranked #436 nationally. That is 339% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #7,261 in 1980, #3,507 in 2000, #2,688 in 2010, and #436 in 2025. Of the 6,491 US girls named Salem since records began, 61% were born in the 2020s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 1,641 babies.
Other babies' names that peaked around the same time include Rowen, Denver, Sunny, Amiri, and Rio.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Salem ranked highest in West Virginia, Kentucky, and North Carolina.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| West Virginia | #136 | 12 |
| Kentucky | #170 | 27 |
| North Carolina | #176 | 60 |
| Kansas | #200 | 17 |
| Nevada | #212 | 13 |
Gender, sound and spelling
Salem is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 61% of US babies named Salem were girls and 39% were boys.
Salem is usually pronounced SAY-luhm, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-em”.
Middle names for Salem
A few middle names that flow with Salem: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Salem
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Lists that include Salem
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Salem mean?
Salem is a Hebrew and Arabic name that is usually said to mean “peace”.
What is the origin of the name Salem?
Salem has Hebrew and Arabic roots. Salem comes from the Hebrew shalem, related to shalom, "peace" or "complete", and it has an Arabic counterpart, Salim, meaning "safe" or "sound".
Is Salem a popular name?
Yes. Salem ranked #436 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Salem a boy or girl name?
Salem is used for both boys and girls: over the last 20 years about 61% of US babies named Salem were girls and 39% were boys.
How do you pronounce Salem?
Salem is usually pronounced SAY-luhm. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings