Girl · 728th of 30,306
Salem
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
10,058
Total Births
145
Years of Data
2023
Peak Popularity Year
1,174
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Salem stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Salem is a Hebrew name meaning peace, derived from the word 'Shalom.' It has evolved through various historical forms, with its roots in ancient Hebrew. The name is associated with the biblical city of Salem and holds a significant biblical relevance. It has gained popularity in English-speaking cultures over the centuries and is seen as a unique and positive name in modern times, with notable individuals bearing the name.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈseɪləm/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Salem is derived from the Hebrew word 'Shalom,' which means peace. It is often associated with the biblical city of Salem, which is believed to be an ancient name for Jerusalem.
Meaning
peace
Language Evolution
Shalem (Hebrew), Salem (Old English and Middle English)
Biblical Background
The name is mentioned in the Bible, specifically in the context of Melchizedek, the king of Salem, who is described as a priest of God Most High.
Historical Usage
Salem gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the 17th century, particularly in colonial America, and has remained a common name and place name in various regions.
Variants & Derivatives
Salomon, Salemiah, Sal, Sam
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Salem is often perceived as unique and carries connotations of peace and tranquility. It is also associated with various cultural references, including literature and media.
Famous People
Salem Al-Dawsari, a Saudi Arabian footballer, Salem Khamis, an Emirati athlete
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 1,174 peak births in 2023
Geographic Spread
Popular across 43 US states, with strongest presence in North Carolina
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3744th of 7545 | 75 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 5121st of 6773 | 22 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5657th of 7552 | 21 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 3645th of 10718 | 128 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 3059th of 16616 | 299 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 2394th of 24088 | 761 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 892nd of 23106 | 2,978 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 10266th of 19264 | 43 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 6689th of 27321 | 182 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2904th of 35406 | 885 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 728th of 30306 | 4,664 |