Salem
A male given name from the root s-l-m meaning 'safe, sound, unharmed'.
- Root
- s-l-m (س-ل-م)
- Gender
- Male
- Meaning
- Safe, sound
- Origin
- Arabic
Meaning and root
Salem (sālim) derives from the root s-l-m (س-ل-م), 'to be safe and sound'. The active participle sālim means 'safe, intact, free of defect'.
Usage
An old and widespread Arab name, common across Arabia and the Gulf in forms such as Sālim and Salīm (the latter an adjective of the same root). Many family names derive from it.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Salem mean?
It means 'safe, sound, unharmed', from the root s-l-m ('safety, soundness').
Sources
- ابن منظور، لسان العرب، 711هـ — مادة: سلم
Last reviewed: 2026-07-09