Salem

Meaning & origin

Salem is a modern unisex name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1976, though its cultural associations reach back centuries. The name has grown steadily in use since the 1990s, reaching its peak in 2023. In 2025 it ranked 435th nationally, with an incidence of approximately 1 in 2,261 newborns. The name is most popular in states like West Virginia, Kentucky, and Kansas. For many, Salem evokes the historic Massachusetts town and the infamous witch trials, giving it a distinct gothic or mystical aura. At the same time, its biblical connections offer a contrasting sense of peace. This duality, combined with its simple two-syllable sound, has helped Salem gain traction among parents seeking a name that feels both meaningful and unconventional.

Salem entered use as a given name in the late 20th century, likely inspired by the city of Salem, Massachusetts, known for the 1692 witch trials, or by the biblical Salem (Jerusalem), meaning 'peace' in Hebrew. Its rise in recent decades may also reflect a broader trend of place and surname names. The name has been used for both boys and girls since its first recorded occurrence in 1976.