Shem
Shem: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Shem
- A male given name from Hebrew of biblical origin.
Etymology
From Ancient Greek Σήμ (Sḗm), from Hebrew שם (Šēm).
How popular is Shem?
Since 1880, 5 girls and 750 boys in the U.S. have been named Shem (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #9096 in 1970. Its highest rank for boys was #2103 in 1976. In 2025, 10 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Shem
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Hebrew boy names
Sibling name ideas for Shem
Sister and brother names that share Shem's Hebrew roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Shem FAQ
What does the name Shem mean?
A male given name from Hebrew of biblical origin. From Ancient Greek Σήμ (Sḗm), from Hebrew שם (Šēm).
What is the origin of the name Shem?
Shem is listed as a name of Hebrew origin.
How popular is the name Shem?
Since 1880, 5 girls and 750 boys in the U.S. have been named Shem (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #9096 in 1970. Its highest rank for boys was #2103 in 1976. In 2025, 10 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Shem a boy or girl name?
Shem is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 5 girls and 750 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.