How Many People Are Named Salem?
Complete statistics for the name Salem: rarity score, gender breakdown, age distribution, historical popularity, worldwide data, meaning and origin.
Salem means 'peaceful' and has roots in Arabic culture. It's very rare, with just 1 in 33,467 Americans having this name, totaling around 9,860 people today. The name peaked in popularity in 2023, showing it's a modern choice.
📖 Meaning & Origin
People with the life path number 5 are known for their adaptability and love of freedom.
🌍 Worldwide Usage
⚥ Gender Distribution
📊 Births by Age Group
Avg Cohort Age: 11All 10,058 recorded US births for this name, grouped by the age those individuals would be today. Not adjusted for survival, so the number living today is lower (see the living estimate above).
📈 Popularity Over Time
Peak: 2023Annual US births from SSA records · Trend: Rising
🏆 Name Scorecard
Scores 0–100 based on statistical analysis of US and worldwide name frequency
📜 Salem Through the Generations
Salem stands out as a name that's truly capturing the hearts of younger generations. With 9,288 under-30s, it's clear that this name is favored among those born in recent years. In fact, 92% of people named Salem are under 30, indicating a strong trend towards modernity. The peak year of 2023 saw an impressive 1,174 births, further cementing its status as a contemporary favorite.
📍 State Distribution (Top 10)
🌿 Related Names by Origin
Other names sharing Salem's Arabic roots
📄 About the Name Salem
How Many People Have the Name Salem?
Based on Social Security Administration birth records and age-adjusted survival modeling, approximately 8,836 people in the United States currently share the name Salem. That works out to roughly 1 in every 37,511 Americans, placing it in the Rare category.
Is Salem a Common or Rare Name?
Salem is classified as Rare. The rarity scale runs from Very Common (shared by millions) through Common, Uncommon, Rare, and Very Rare. Understanding where a name sits helps parents gauge uniqueness, genealogists narrow down records, and individuals settle debates about their own name's distinctiveness.
What Does the Name Salem Mean?
Salem means "peaceful" and comes from Arabic origins. The name carries a life-path numerology number of 5.
Gender Breakdown
Of all recorded bearers of Salem in SSA data, approximately 42% are male and 58% are female.
When Was Salem Most Popular?
The name Salem reached peak popularity in 2023, with 1,174 babies registered that year. Current trend: Rising.
How Is This Data Calculated?
All figures are statistical estimates, not exact government headcounts. The underlying data comes from the SSA National Baby Names dataset. Full methodology is explained on the methodology page.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How many people are named Salem?
Approximately 8,836 people named Salem live in the United States today. All-time US births on record total 8,836. That works out to roughly 1 in 37,511 Americans.
Is Salem a rare name?
Salem is classified as Rare in the United States. Approximately 1 in every 37,511 Americans has this name.
What does the name Salem mean?
Salem means "peaceful" and comes from Arabic origins.
Is Salem more male or female?
Based on SSA records, 42% of people named Salem are male and 58% are female.
When was Salem most popular?
Salem peaked in 2023 with 1,174 births that year. Current trend: Rising.
How accurate are these statistics?
All figures are statistical estimates based on SSA birth records and age-adjusted modeling. See the methodology page for full details.