"peace, wholeness, completeness"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
Shalom
Pronunciation: [ sh-uhl-OHM ]
Does Shalom flow with your last name?
A profound Hebrew name embodying peace and wholeness
Jewish
Israeli
Ethiopian Jewish
Spiritual
Strong
Unique
Bold
Elegant
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
"well-being, harmony"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: English
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The Story of Shalom
Shalom comes from the Hebrew root שָׁלֵם (shalem), meaning whole, complete, and at peace. It is one of the most important words in the Hebrew language and Jewish tradition, used as a greeting, farewell, and blessing. The word appears over 200 times in the Hebrew Bible. As a given name, Shalom is used in both masculine and feminine forms in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, carrying the profound aspiration of peace and spiritual completeness.
Shalom as a given name is most popular in Israel and among Mizrahi and Ethiopian Jewish communities (where the Amharic equivalent 'Selam' is also used). It gained some use in diaspora Jewish communities during the 20th century as Hebrew names experienced a revival alongside Zionist cultural movements.
Shalom holds perhaps the deepest cultural significance of any Hebrew word. It is the Jewish greeting of peace, the word used at Shabbat, in prayers, and in the phrase 'shalom aleichem' (peace be upon you). For Ethiopian Jews (Beta Israel), the name also connects to 'Selam,' the Ethiopian greeting derived from the same Semitic root.
Historical Record
Shalom first appeared in US Social Security records in 1969.
Over 1,178 babies have been named Shalom in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shalom is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #3,645 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Shalom appears over 200 times in the Hebrew Bible in various forms
- The Arabic equivalent 'Salam' shares the same Semitic root — both Jews and Muslims use derived forms as greetings
- Sholem Aleichem (pen name meaning 'peace be upon you') was the Yiddish literary giant who created Tevye the Dairyman (Fiddler on the Roof)
Shalom in Other Languages
Arabic
سَلَام (Salam)
Hebrew
שָׁלוֹם
Amharic
ሰላም (Selam)
English
Shalom
Yiddish
Sholem
Popularity Over Time
#3,645
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Shalom
S
Shalom Harlow
Actor
1973
Canadian supermodel and actress known for her unique androgynous beauty and work with Alexander McQueen
S
Shalom Aleichem
Writer
1859
Beloved Yiddish author who created the character Tevye the Dairyman, basis for Fiddler on the Roof
S
Shalom Yechezkel
Other
Biblical figure — son of Zerubbabel mentioned in 1 Chronicles, representing the return from Babylonian exile
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See all →Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #3,645
- Total SSA Count
- 42
- Cultural Origins
- Jewish Israeli Ethiopian Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Formal
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Low
Common Nicknames
Shali
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Shalom
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
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Also a Boy Name
Shalom is also used as a boy name, ranked #1723.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shalom
What does the name Shalom mean?
"peace, wholeness, completeness" (from Hebrew). "well-being, harmony" (from Hebrew). Shalom comes from the Hebrew root שָׁלֵם (shalem), meaning whole, complete, and at peace. It is one of the most important words in the Hebrew language and Jewish tradition, used as a greeting, farewell, and blessing. The word appears over 200 times in the Hebrew Bible. As a given name, Shalom is used in both masculine and feminine forms in Israel and Jewish communities worldwide, carrying the profound aspiration of peace and spiritual completeness.
What is the origin of the name Shalom?
Shalom has Hebrew, Jewish, Israeli, and Ethiopian Jewish origins. In Hebrew, it means "peace, wholeness, completeness". In Hebrew, it means "well-being, harmony".
Is Shalom a boy or girl name?
Shalom is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #3645. As a boy name, it is ranked #1723. Shalom is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Shalom?
Shalom is pronounced sh-uhl-OHM.
How popular is the name Shalom?
Shalom is currently ranked #3645 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Shalom?
Common nicknames for Shalom include Shali.
What are good middle names for Shalom?
Popular middle name pairings include Shalom Rivka, Shalom Miriam, Shalom Leah, Shalom Tamar, Shalom Rachel, Shalom Devorah, and Shalom Adina.
What are good sibling names for Shalom?
Names that pair well with Shalom as siblings include Noa, Tamar, Rivka, Eliana, Yael, Eitan, Ori, and Lior.
How many syllables does Shalom have?
Shalom has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Shalom a common or rare name?
Shalom is an uncommon name, ranked #3645 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Shalom
Shalom is a girl name with Jewish, Israeli, and Ethiopian Jewish origins . The name means "peace, wholeness, completeness" in Hebrew .
Is Shalom a boy or girl name? Shalom is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #3,645 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #1,723. Shalom is more commonly used as a boy name.
Shalom is currently ranked #3,645 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Shalom has 2 syllables and is pronounced sh-uhl-OHM, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Shalom include Shali. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis