Rising since 1986, #2,304 for boys today.
Popularity of Salim since 1960
Babies named Salim per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 46 |
| 1970s | 178 |
| 1980s | 262 |
| 1990s | 309 |
| 2000s | 379 |
| 2010s | 509 |
| 2020s | 322 |
Meaning & origin
Salim is an Arabic name rooted in the concept of safety and perfection, long favored in Muslim communities worldwide. In the United States, its use has been steadily rising since the mid-1980s: from a rank of 2,304 in 2025 to a peak year of 2023, reflecting growing appreciation for its strong, positive meaning. Approximately 1 in 28,468 newborn boys receives the name, and it is most common in states like Minnesota, Pennsylvania, and California. The name's variants, such as Saleem and Salem, offer flexibility while preserving the original significance.
Salim derives from the Arabic root S-L-M, which conveys wholeness, safety, and well-being. As a given name, it is directly related to the word salīm, meaning 'sound' or 'perfect in health'. The name is also a variant of Salām, which is a common greeting meaning 'peace'. Salim has been used across the Arabic-speaking world for centuries and is also found in Persian and South Asian Muslim communities.
Where Salim is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Salim” around the world
Where Salim lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
215
babies in 2024
Quebec
14
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Sibling names for Salim
Names that share Salim's style, for a brother or sister.
