Sem

♂ Boy

Pronounced SEM /ˈsɛm/High

Meaning: Sem is a form of the biblical Shem, from the Hebrew shem, 'name; renown' — the eldest son of Noah. It is also a very popular Dutch given name in its own right.Low

In 30 seconds: A crisp one-beat name: Sem means 'name; renown' (said 'SEM'), a form of the biblical Shem and a top Dutch pick.

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Origin MediumHebrew, Dutch

MeaningSem is a form of the biblical Shem, from the Hebrew shem, 'name; renown' — the eldest son of Noah. It is also a very popular Dutch given name in its own right.

U.S. rank (2024)#12078 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births6 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2006

Total births (all-time)≈ 214

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

Sem is a form of the biblical Shem, from the Hebrew shem, 'name; renown,' the eldest son of Noah. It is also a beloved standalone name in the Netherlands. Crisp and rooted (said 'SEM').

In the U.S. it appears only rarely, though it is a top name in the Netherlands. Rare here, crisp, and rooted.

Did you know? Sem is both the Dutch form of Shem — Noah's eldest son, whose name means 'name; renown' — and a hugely popular boys' name in the Netherlands (said 'SEM').

Overall data confidence 52%

References — Sem — Hebrew Shem, 'name; renown'; popular Dutch name

Variations

ShemSemmSam

Nicknames

SemmySemi

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Sem…

Shem— the biblical base name Sem forms

Finn— a like short Dutch-friendly pick

Cas— a like crisp one-beat name

Bram— a like Dutch short name

Explore names like Sem

By themehebrew short biblical dutch

By meaningGift / Blessing Honor

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Sem mean?

Sem is a form of the biblical Shem, from the Hebrew for 'name; renown.'

How do you pronounce Sem?

It's said SEM /ˈsɛm/ — one syllable.

Is Sem a boy or girl name?

Sem is used as a boy's name.

How popular is Sem?

Sem is rare in the U.S., though a top name in the Netherlands.