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Home › Baby Names Directory › Salem

Salem

♀ Girl

Pronounced SAY-lem /ˈseɪ.ləm/High

Meaning: From Hebrew shalom and Arabic salam both meaning peace; used as a place name (Jerusalem = City of Peace) and as a given nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Salem is a sleek, two-syllable name meaning 'peace' in Hebrew and Arabic — a place name embedded in both Jerusalem and American history, now trending for girls with an edgy, slightly mysterious appeal.
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Origin HighHebrew, Arabic
MeaningFrom Hebrew shalom and Arabic salam both meaning peace; used as a place name (Jerusalem = City of Peace) and as a given name
U.S. rank (2025)#436 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births711 girls (0.04% of U.S. girls)
Peak year2023
Total births (all-time)≈ 6,485

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 202319762025

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 derives from the Semitic root sh-l-m meaning peace or wholeness, appearing in both Hebrew shalom and Arabic salam. It is the root of the place name Jerusalem and dozens of biblical and Middle Eastern cities.

In the United States, Salem is associated with Salem, Massachusetts — known for the 1692 witch trials. This gothic edge, combined with the name's peaceful meaning, has made it a distinctive choice trending for girls.

Did you know? Jerusalem literally means 'city of peace' (Yeru-Salem) from the Hebrew root shalem (complete, whole, peaceful) — making Salem a name with one of the most storied urban legacies in human history.
Overall data confidence 93%
Behind the Name — Salem — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

SalimShalom

Nicknames

Sal

Famous Bearers

  • ★Salem Al Fakir (1981-)
    Swedish singer-songwriter and member of the duo Vargas & Lagola

If you like Salem…

Eden— shares the Hebrew biblical place-name tradition and the same peaceful, spiritual beauty
Zion— another Hebrew place-name with deep peace and holy land significance
Cairo— shares the city-name edgy appeal and the same cross-cultural sophisticated feel
Haven— shares the peaceful sanctuary meaning and the same modern word-name appeal

Explore names like Salem

By themehebrewarabicplace-namepeace
By meaningPeaceGift / Blessing

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Salem mean?

Salem means peace from Hebrew shalom and Arabic salam; it is the root of the city name Jerusalem.

How do you pronounce Salem?

It is said SAY-lem /ˈseɪ.ləm/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Salem a girl's name?

Salem is used for both, but it is trending predominantly feminine in the United States in recent years.

Is Salem associated with the witch trials?

Yes, Salem, Massachusetts is famous for the 1692 witch trials, which gives the name an edgy, gothic dimension alongside its peaceful meaning.

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