Tools / Baby names / S

Shem

Boy

Meaning of Shem: Hebrew: 'name or reputation'

Shem is a boy's name most strongly associated with Hebrew naming. It has 4 letters and 1 syllable, and it is a genuinely rare and unique choice — 7639th most popular boys' name in the United States in 2025.

US rank 2025

#7639

10 babies in 2025

England & Wales 2024

—

Fewer than 3 babies or unlisted

US babies since 1880

755

First recorded 1954 · peak 1978

Trend

stable

Style: rare

Popularity over time

1981: 18 babies1982: 17 babies1983: 15 babies1984: 10 babies1985: 8 babies1986: 10 babies1987: 14 babies1988: 15 babies1989: 6 babies1990: 12 babies19901991: 16 babies1992: 13 babies1993: 10 babies1994: 9 babies1995: 13 babies1996: 8 babies1997: 6 babies1998: 11 babies1999: 12 babies2000: 14 babies20002001: 6 babies2002: 10 babies2003: 11 babies2004: 12 babies2005: 15 babies2006: 14 babies2007: 13 babies2008: 8 babies2009: 10 babies2010: 7 babies20102011: 7 babies2012: 7 babies2013: 16 babies2014: 16 babies2015: 17 babies2016: 11 babies2017: 16 babies2018: 17 babies2019: 16 babies2020: 12 babies20202021: 13 babies2022: 17 babies2023: 12 babies2024: 13 babies2025: 10 babies
US babies named Shem per year (Social Security Administration). Peak bar = 18.

Gender split

99% boys · 1% girls, based on US, UK and international usage.

Origins & cultures

More Hebrew boys' names

Other names starting with S