Data-driven popularity statistics, SSA rankings, and historical trends for the name Salem.
National Rank (2025)
#436
All-Time Peak Rank
#417 (2023)
Total U.S. Births
6,491
Unisex Distribution41.9% Boy / 58.1% GirlBalance: Highly Balanced
💡 The Salem Vibe: This choice is considered a Rising Star. A high-velocity modern choice demonstrating rapid, sustained growth in recent registries.
📖 The Story Behind Salem
According to SSA data, Salem achieved its highest historical rank of #417 in 2023. Its highest annual registration volume occurred in 2023 with 734 babies. Between 2015 and 2025, modern registrations have increased by 338.9%. Overall, the name has maintained a ranked presence for 44 consecutive years.
📊 Factual Timeline & Current Trajectory (1880 – 2025)
Watch how the absolute registration footprint of the name Salem scaled historically over the last century:
5-Year Trajectory Velocity
Rising
10-Year Decadal Shift Change
+338.9% Growth
18801920196020002025
📈 Popularity Milestones & Volatility
Busiest Year on Record734Births in 2023
Years in Top 100
0yrs
Registry Appearance Streak
44Years
Historical VolatilityStable Profile
Decade-by-Decade Registration Volumes
1880s:0
1890s:0
1900s:0
1910s:0
1920s:0
1930s:0
1940s:0
1950s:0
1960s:0
1970s:34
1980s:88
1990s:216
2000s:555
2010s:1,641
2020s:3,957
📐 Sound & Spelling Structure
Phonetic SyllablesSa-lem
Letter Count5 Letters
Spelling ComplexityModerate
Linguistic Profile Narrative: It is an isogram, meaning no two letters are repeated. Longer than 7.7% of SSA names. Starts with S, a letter used by only 7.9% of SSA names.
🛠️ Rhythm & Cadence Engine
Need a middle name or matching choice that pairs cleanly with Salem? Enter a surname or older sibling name below to test structural meter and syllable cohesion:
BabyNameAnalytics