Saleem
2025 SSA
About Saleem
Saleem is a masculine name of Arabic origin meaning 'peaceful,' 'safe,' or 'secure.' It derives from the Arabic word 'salima' meaning 'to be safe' and shares the same linguistic roots as the common greeting 'salaam' (peace). The name is widely used throughout Muslim communities worldwide and appears with spelling variations such as Salim, Selim, or Saleem. As a name, it carries positive connotations of tranquility, wellness, and integrity. Saleem has gained moderate popularity in Western countries as cultural boundaries have become more fluid, though it remains most common in Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North African communities. The name represents qualities of diplomacy, harmony, and well-being that resonate across cultural traditions.
Pronounced suh-LEEM.
As of October 2026, Saleem ranked #2533 in US births in 2025 SSA, peaked at #1163 in 1980.
Popularity & trends
Data table
| Year | US rank | Births | Per million |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | #2,314 | 57 | 29.7 |
| 2015 | #2,849 | 42 | 21.9 |
| 2016 | #2,826 | 43 | 22.7 |
| 2017 | #2,336 | 56 | 30.3 |
| 2018 | #2,257 | 61 | 33.6 |
| 2019 | #2,517 | 53 | 29.5 |
| 2020 | #2,832 | 43 | 24.9 |
| 2021 | #2,724 | 47 | 26.9 |
| 2022 | #2,905 | 44 | 25.2 |
| 2023 | #2,723 | 48 | 28.1 |
| 2024 | #2,085 | 72 | 41.8 |
| 2025 | #2,533 | 53 | 31 |
Saleem on lists
Famous Saleems
- Saleem Sherwani
Pakistani field hockey player
- (Syed) Saleem Shahzad
slain Pakistani journalist
- Saleem Rasheed
American NFL football player
- Master Saleem (born Saleem Shahzada)
Indian playback singer
- Saleem Elahi
Pakistani cricketer
- Saleem Malik
Pakistani cricketer
- Saleem Jaffar
Pakistani cricketer
Saleem in pop culture
- Saleem Sinai
narrator of Salman Rushdie's novel Midnight's Children