Shem
Does Shem flow with your last name?
A distinctive girl name with a rare, memorable quality.
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
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Meaning & Origin
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Browse nicknames →Historical Record
Shem first appeared in US Social Security records in 1970.
Over 5 babies have been named Shem in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Shem is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #62,280 for girl names in the US .
Popularity Over Time
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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See all →"one who is a foundation, support"
"Generous, noble, kind, magnanimous"
"old river, wise one"
"waterfall; flowing water"
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Compare Shem with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Popularity Rank
- #62,280
- Total SSA Count
- 5
Alternative Spellings
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 1-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, quick 1-1 syllable combo
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Shem is also used as a boy name, ranked #6712.
View Shem as a boy name →Similar Names
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View all →Arabic origin
"one who is a foundation, support"
#62,368 in US
Arabic origin
"Generous, noble, kind, magnanimous"
#62,448 in US
Irish origin
"old river, wise one"
#62,470 in US
Japanese origin
"waterfall; flowing water"
#62,403 in US
Slavic origin
"Industrious; hardworking; variant of ..."
#62,236 in US
Irish origin
"fierce valor, unlucky"
#62,183 in US
Italian origin
"plume, ridge"
#62,431 in US
Germanic (via Raymond) origin
"wise protector"
#62,252 in US
Save Your Name Card
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Frequently Asked Questions About Shem
Is Shem a boy or girl name?
How popular is the name Shem?
Is Shem a common or rare name?
What girl names are similar to Shem?
About the Name Shem
Shem is a girl name .
Is Shem a boy or girl name? Shem is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #62,280 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #6,712. Shem is more commonly used as a boy name.
Shem is currently ranked #62,280 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
Alternative spellings of Shem include Shelby, Shea, Sheyla, Sherlyn, Sheila . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
Keep Exploring
Recommended for Parents
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Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis