Salem is a distinctive boys' name in United States, ranking #680 in 2022 with 399 recorded births. The name reached its all-time peak in 2023 with 440 births ranking #630. Since 1996, the popularity has increased by 1,187.1%. In 2022, approximately 1 in every 4,372 boys born was named Salem. STABLE Recent data shows the name is currently stable.
Salem is a sleek unisex name often associated with peace. It feels modern, atmospheric, and slightly mysterious.
The name's appeal comes from both its ancient Semitic peace-root associations and its place-name familiarity. In modern use, style and sound are often at least as important as literal etymology.