Salem Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

At a Glance

Meaning

Peace, wholeness (from the Hebrew place name for ancient Jerusalem); the Arabic-derived masculine use means 'safe, unharmed'

Origin

Hebrew (feminine use) and Arabic (masculine use, as Salim)

Gender

Neutral

Pronunciation

SAY-lumListen

Salem is a name you can give to a child of any gender, pronounced SAY-lum. Its roots run through Hebrew, where it comes from the place name for ancient Jerusalem and carries the meaning peace, wholeness, and through Arabic, where the related form Salim is used for boys and means safe, unharmed. It has a free-spirited, independent feel with a bold edge, and reads as a thoroughly modern choice today.

Meaning & Origin of Salem

Meaning: Peace, wholeness (from the Hebrew place name for ancient Jerusalem); the Arabic-derived masculine use means 'safe, unharmed'.

Origin: Hebrew (feminine use) and Arabic (masculine use, as Salim).

Source: Wiktionary.

How to Pronounce Salem

Popularity of Salem

Salem hit its highest point so far at #417 in 2023, given to 734 babies, then eased slightly to #430 in 2024 with 715 babies.

Names Like Salem

These names share Salem’s style, era or origin.

• Amaris
• Ari
• Ariel
• Azaiah
• Azari
• Azrael

FAQ

What does the name Salem mean?

Peace, wholeness (from the Hebrew place name for ancient Jerusalem); the Arabic-derived masculine use means ‘safe, unharmed’. (Source: Wiktionary)

How do you pronounce Salem?

Salem is pronounced SAY-lum (IPA: /ˈseɪləm/).

Is Salem a popular name right now?

Salem is near its all-time peak (#417 in 2023), ranked #430 in 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1912–2024.)

Make Salem Name Art

Free printable nursery art for Salem, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.