"peace, completeness, welfare"
Origin: Hebrew root shin-lamed-mem
Language: Hebrew
Shalom
Pronunciation: [ sh-uhl-OHM ]
Does Shalom flow with your last name?
The Hebrew word for peace — a name and a blessing in one
Hebrew
Jewish
Israeli
Ethiopian Jewish
Spiritual
Traditional
Gentle
Classic
Elegant
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Nicknames
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Meaning & Origin
"wholeness, harmony"
Origin: Ancient Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
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The Story of Shalom
Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) is one of the most important words in the Hebrew language, meaning peace, completeness, welfare, and harmony. It derives from the root shin-lamed-mem (שׁלם), conveying the idea of wholeness or completeness. Shalom is used as a greeting, farewell, and blessing in Jewish culture, as well as a personal name. It appears hundreds of times in the Hebrew Bible.
Shalom has been a given name in Jewish communities for millennia, and is particularly common among Sephardic Jews, Ethiopian Jews (Beta Israel), and traditional Ashkenazi families. In modern Israel it remains a respected given name. Outside Jewish communities, it is recognized globally as the Hebrew word for peace.
Shalom is the quintessential Hebrew word — it encapsulates the Jewish concept of peace not just as an absence of conflict but as completeness, harmony, and well-being in all aspects of life. As a given name, it is both a blessing and an aspiration. It is used as a standard greeting in Hebrew (shalom aleichem, peace be upon you).
Historical Record
Shalom first appeared in US Social Security records in 1951.
Over 2,356 babies have been named Shalom in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shalom is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #1,723 for boy names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Shalom appears over 250 times in the Hebrew Bible
- In Arabic, the cognate word 'Salam' (سلام) has the same root and meaning — demonstrating shared Semitic heritage
- Sholem Aleichem (Yiddish for 'Peace be upon you') was the pen name of Yiddish writer Sholem Yankev Abramovitsh, author of stories that inspired Fiddler on the Roof
Shalom in Other Languages
Hebrew
שָׁלוֹם
Amharic
ሰላም (Selam)
English
Shalom
Yiddish
שׁלום (Sholem)
Arabic equivalent
سلام (Salam)
Popularity Over Time
#1,723
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 model and actress known for her work in fashion and film
S
Sholem Aleichem (Shalom Rabinowitz)
Writer
1859
Beloved Yiddish author whose Tevye stories inspired Fiddler on the Roof
S
Shalom (greeting)
Other
The Hebrew word for peace, used as a greeting, farewell, and blessing throughout Jewish culture for over 3,000 years
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Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,723
- Total SSA Count
- 96
- Cultural Origins
- Hebrew Jewish Israeli Ethiopian Jewish
- Pronunciation
- Moderate
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Shali
Lomi
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, traditional style, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Hebrew heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Shalom
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Girl Name
Shalom is also used as a girl name, ranked #3645.
View Shalom as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shalom
What does the name Shalom mean?
"peace, completeness, welfare" (from Hebrew root shin-lamed-mem). "wholeness, harmony" (from Ancient Hebrew). Shalom (שָׁלוֹם) is one of the most important words in the Hebrew language, meaning peace, completeness, welfare, and harmony. It derives from the root shin-lamed-mem (שׁלם), conveying the idea of wholeness or completeness. Shalom is used as a greeting, farewell, and blessing in Jewish culture, as well as a personal name. It appears hundreds of times in the Hebrew Bible.
What is the origin of the name Shalom?
Shalom has Hebrew root shin-lamed-mem, Ancient Hebrew, Hebrew, Jewish, Israeli, and Ethiopian Jewish origins. In Hebrew root shin-lamed-mem, it means "peace, completeness, welfare". In Ancient Hebrew, it means "wholeness, harmony".
Is Shalom a boy or girl name?
Shalom is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1723. As a girl name, it is ranked #3645. 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 #1723 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Shalom?
Common nicknames for Shalom include Shali and Lomi.
What are good middle names for Shalom?
Popular middle name pairings include Shalom Moshe, Shalom David, Shalom Yonatan, Shalom Eliezer, Shalom Avi, Shalom Tzvi, and Shalom Noam.
What are good sibling names for Shalom?
Names that pair well with Shalom as siblings include Noam, Tov, Simcha, Revital, Liora, Amir, and Dror.
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 #1723 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Shalom
Shalom is a boy name with Hebrew, Jewish, Israeli, and Ethiopian Jewish origins . The name means "peace, completeness, welfare" in Hebrew root shin-lamed-mem .
Is Shalom a boy or girl name? Shalom is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,723 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #3,645. Shalom is more commonly used as a boy name.
Shalom is currently ranked #1,723 in popularity for boy 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 and Lomi. 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