Holding steady, #7,194 for boys today.
Popularity of Saliou since 1999
Babies named Saliou per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2013, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Saliou's real moment was 2024.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1990s | 7 |
| 2000s | 42 |
| 2010s | 59 |
| 2020s | 45 |
Meaning & origin
Saliou is a distinctive Arabic-derived name commonly found in West Africa, particularly among Muslim families in Senegal, Guinea, and Mali. Its meaning, rooted in piety and virtue, gives it a strong spiritual resonance. In the United States, Saliou is a relatively recent arrival, first recorded in 1999. It experienced a notable peak in popularity in 2024, when it ranked 7,194, and has remained stable since then, reflecting the gradual growth of African diaspora communities. With an estimated 1 in 155,280 boys receiving the name in 2025, it remains a rare but meaningful choice for parents seeking a name with cultural depth and religious significance.
Saliou is a West African variant of the Arabic name Salih or Sali, which means 'pious' or 'virtuous' in Arabic. It is commonly used among Muslim communities in Senegal, Guinea, and Mali, reflecting the spread of Islamic culture through the region. The name carries connotations of religious devotion and moral integrity.
“Saliou” around the world
Where Saliou lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Sal, Liou
Variants: Salihou, Sali
Sibling names for Saliou
Names that share Saliou's style, for a brother or sister.
