Find out how popular the first name Selam has been for the last 34 years (from 1988 to 2021) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Selam by gender

Based on the last 34 years of data, Selam is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2021, there were 8 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Selam.

The history of the first name Selam

The name Selam is believed to have originated from the Amharic language of Ethiopia. Amharic is a Semitic language that is the official language of Ethiopia and is also spoken in parts of Eritrea and Israel.

Selam is derived from the Amharic word "selam" which means peace, harmony, or greeting. The name is often given with the intention of wishing peace and tranquility upon the child. It is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls in the Ethiopian culture.

The earliest known record of the name Selam dates back to the 14th century in the Kebre Negest, which is an ancient text that details the history of the Solomonic dynasty of Ethiopia. The text mentions a figure named Selam, though it is unclear if this was a given name or a title.

One of the earliest known historical figures with the name Selam was Selam Aregawi, an Ethiopian noble and military leader who lived in the late 16th century. He played a significant role in the conflict between the Ethiopian Empire and the Ottoman Empire.

Another notable figure was Selam Awassa, an Ethiopian military commander who lived in the early 19th century. He was a prominent figure in the wars between the Ethiopian Empire and the Kingdom of Shewa.

In more recent history, Selam Mussere was an Ethiopian politician and diplomat who served as the Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1991 to 1993. She was also the first woman to hold this position in Ethiopia.

Selam Gebru is an Ethiopian-American computer scientist and researcher in the field of artificial intelligence. She is known for her work on algorithmic bias and ethical AI, and has been recognized for her contributions to the field.

Selam Teshome is an Ethiopian entrepreneur and businesswoman who founded the successful company Selam Foods, which produces and distributes traditional Ethiopian food products. She is recognized as a pioneer in the Ethiopian food industry.

While the name Selam has its roots in the Amharic language and Ethiopian culture, it has gained popularity in other parts of the world due to its peaceful and harmonious meaning. However, its historical and cultural significance remains deeply rooted in the rich heritage of Ethiopia.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Selam was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Selam, please contact us.

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