Salem Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

At a Glance: Name: Salem – Gender: Neutral – Pronunciation: SAY-lum

---

Salem is a modern, gender-neutral name pronounced SAY-lum (/ˈseɪləm/). It's catalogued with a bohemian-free-spirit feel alongside a bolder, trailblazing edge — an unusual pairing that gives it some range. SSA has tracked it in its records going back to 1912, so it's been part of the naming landscape for a long stretch of time.

Meaning & Origin of Salem

We don’t have a meaning for Salem that passes our verification bar yet — so rather than repeat an unverified claim, we’re showing none until one is confirmed. Everything else on this page (popularity history, pronunciation where available, and the name art tool below) is real data.

How to Pronounce Salem

Phonetic: SAY-lum   IPA: /ˈseɪləm/

Popularity of Salem

Salem hit its peak in 2023 at #417, with 734 babies given the name, then slipped a bit to #430 in 2024 with 715 — a small step back right after its high point.

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration birth-name data via names_full.json, 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.

Names With a Similar Story

Derived from shared style, era, and origin data (or, for names without a catalog record, a similar Social Security popularity trajectory) — not a hand-picked list.

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

FAQ

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.)

More Baby Name Inspiration

• Check any name’s popularity history
• Take the naming-style quiz
• Make art for a different name