Salam

Meaning & origin

Salam is a unisex name of Arabic origin meaning 'peace,' directly tied to the Arabic root s-l-m and the Islamic concept of peace as a divine attribute. In the United States, it has been consistently uncommon. Its first recorded usage in Social Security data was in 1988, and it reached its peak relative popularity in 1993, though even then it remained rare. In 2025, it ranked 11,932 with a 1-in-229,610 incidence. The name has shown a stable trajectory over recent decades, neither rising sharply nor falling out of use. Because it is a common greeting and a Quranic term, Salam carries strong cultural and religious significance, particularly among Muslim families. Its straightforward meaning and pleasant sound make it an enduring choice for those seeking a name with a universal message of peace.

Salam is directly derived from the Arabic root s-l-m, which conveys the concept of peace, safety, and wholeness. It is cognate with the Hebrew shalom and is used as a greeting meaning 'peace' across the Islamic world. The name appears in the Quran as a description of Paradise and as one of the attributes of God (As-Salam). As a personal name, it has been borne by both men and women, though it is more commonly masculine in many Arabic-speaking regions.