Salem
Salem is a unisex name of Hebrew origin meaning “peace.” It ranked #435 in the United States in 2025. Salem derives from the Hebrew 'shalom' meaning 'peace' and is linked to the ancient name for Jerusalem.
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how do you pronounce Salem?
SAY-lem
where does the name Salem come from?
A name of Arabic origin, sometimes an English rendering of Salim; the two are distinct Arabic names with related meanings.
Despite its association with the Salem witch trials, the name has surged in popularity, embraced for its witchy, atmospheric quality.
how popular is this name?
Salem has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 7 years since 2019. It peaked at #417 in 2023, and ranked #435 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #435 |
| 2024 | #429 |
| 2023 | #417 |
| 2022 | #448 |
| 2021 | #506 |
| 2020 | #608 |
| 2019 | #749 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Salem fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Salem?
- Salem (Sabrina the Teenage Witch cat)
- Salem, Massachusetts (historic witch trials city)
- Salem (ancient name related to Jerusalem)
what are the nicknames and variants of Salem?
Variants around the world
what names are similar to Salem?
what names go well with Salem?
Sibling names that share Salem's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Salem
What does the name Salem mean?
Salem means “peace”.
What is the origin of the name Salem?
Salem comes from the Hebrew naming tradition. Related forms include Salim.
How popular is the name Salem?
Salem ranked #435 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data.
Is Salem a boy or girl name?
Salem is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Salem?
Salem is pronounced SAY-lem, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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