Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Salim
BoyArabic· “safe, sound”
- Meaning
- safe, sound
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- sah-LEEM
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #2,328
- US babies 2025
- 60
- Best rank
- #1,690 (1980)
- Peak year
- 2023
Meaning and origin of Salim
Salim is an Arabic name that means “safe, sound”.
Salim is an Arabic name meaning safe, sound or whole, from the root s-l-m that also gives salaam, peace, and the names Salma, Selim and Salman. It has been used for centuries across the Arabic-speaking world, and the Turkish form Selim was borne by several Ottoman sultans. In South Asia and East Africa, Salim is also common among Muslim families. The usual pronunciation is sah-LEEM, with the stress on the second syllable, though you will hear SA-lihm in some English-speaking settings. The feminine form is Salima. It is a short, steady name with a meaning many parents find reassuring.
Popularity over time
Salim first appears in US Social Security records in 1960. It has never ranked in the national top 1,000, which keeps it genuinely uncommon. Its best national rank was #1,690 in 1980, and the most babies received it in 2023, when 65 were named Salim. In 2025, 60 babies were named Salim, and it ranked #2,328 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #1,690 in 1980, #3,061 in 2000, #2,464 in 2010, and #2,328 in 2025. Of the 2,005 US boys named Salim since records began, 25% were born in the 2010s, its biggest decade. The 2000s come next, with 379 babies.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Efraim, Jin, Mazen, Zahid, and Wayland.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Salim ranked highest in Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and California.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #792 | 6 |
| Pennsylvania | #1212 | 6 |
| California | #2420 | 6 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Salim is usually pronounced sah-LEEM, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-im”.
Middle names for Salim
A few middle names that flow with Salim: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Salim
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Lists that include Salim
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Salim mean?
Salim is an Arabic name that means “safe, sound”.
What is the origin of the name Salim?
Salim has Arabic roots. Salim is an Arabic name meaning safe, sound or whole, from the root s-l-m that also gives salaam, peace, and the names Salma, Selim and Salman.
Is Salim a popular name?
Not especially. Salim ranked #2,328 in the US in 2025, which puts it outside the top 1,000.
Is Salim a boy or girl name?
Salim is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Salim?
Salim is usually pronounced sah-LEEM. 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