Salem

♂ Boy

Pronounced SAY-lum /ˈseɪ.ləm/High

Meaning: Peace; safe; complete; from Hebrew shalem (whole, complete, peaceful), sharing the root with shalom and JerusalemHigh

In 30 seconds: A Hebrew name meaning 'peace' or 'complete,' from the same root as shalom and Jerusalem (Jeru-shalem: foundation of peace). Salem, Massachusetts, and its infamous 1692 witch trials give it a dark historical dimension alongside its peaceful meaning.

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Origin HighHebrew

MeaningPeace; safe; complete; from Hebrew shalem (whole, complete, peaceful), sharing the root with shalom and Jerusalem

U.S. rank (2025)#679 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births400 boys (0.02% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 4,684

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Salem is an anglicized form of the Hebrew shalem (whole, complete, peaceful), sharing the root with shalom. In the Hebrew Bible, Melchizedek is the king of Salem (Genesis 14:18), a city identified with Jerusalem. The town of Salem, Massachusetts (founded 1626) became notorious for the 1692 witch trials.

Salem entered the U.S. boys' charts from the 2000s onward, partly as a gothic/historical name. It ranked #634 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Jerusalem literally means 'foundation of peace' (yeru: foundation + shalem: peace) — making Salem a compact form of the most contested holy city name on Earth, carrying 3,000 years of spiritual history.

Overall data confidence 94%

Behind the Name — Salem — Hebrew etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SalimShalem

Nicknames

Sal

Famous Bearers

★Salem Al-Dawsari (1991-)
Saudi Arabian professional footballer

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Salem mean?

Salem means 'peace' or 'complete,' from Hebrew shalem, the same root as shalom and Jerusalem (foundation of peace).

How do you pronounce Salem?

It's said SAY-lum — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Salem a boy or girl name?

Salem is used for both sexes.

How popular is Salem?

Salem ranked #634 for U.S. boys in 2024.