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Original poster

Salem

85 replies

Rickandmortified100 · 15/01/2023 00:57

I met a little Salem yesterday and was surprised by how much it suited her and what a lovely name it seemed. If someone had posted on MN about the name I’d probably have been a bit pessimistic about the name due to the witch trials, but weirdly I really liked it. A quick Google shows me that it’s both a Hebrew and Arabic name meaning ‘peaceful, safe, complete, perfect’, and also a biblical name referring to Jerusalem. What do you think?

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winterpastasalad · 15/01/2023 09:13

How was it pronounced? The Arabic version is Saa-lem, often written as Salem or Salim. It means good health.
The Satanic version Say-lem, I wouldn't be so keen on!

gfy · 15/01/2023 09:05

Makes me think of a black cat

TheVanguardSix · 15/01/2023 09:05

Cigarettes
Witch trials
The weirdness that is Salem, Oregon.

I’m American though and reading that name from my perspective.

LynneBenfield · 15/01/2023 09:04

First thought; Tortured medieval. women.

It makes me think of dead women, not a name for daughters to my ear.

Kanaloa · 15/01/2023 09:00

Cool for a black cat. Not cool for a real person. Witch trials, Sabrina, goth culture etc.

I always say one of my top naming rules would be don’t choose a name that needs a conversation. You’re not the one burdened with explaining it every time you meet somebody. And if you do love a name like that, change your own name, and let your child have a name that’s serviceable.

keepaweatheredeye · 15/01/2023 08:59

No.

Luredbyapomegranate · 15/01/2023 08:58

Salem’s Lot

That film terrified me as a kid 🍿🤯

That will always be it’s main association in the Uk. Madness..

loverofpants · 15/01/2023 06:05

I've taught several Salems but they've all been boys. All lovely though!

Blufelt · 15/01/2023 05:29

Salem is a cat from a tv show. I wouldn’t call a baby that, sorry.

Bosk · 15/01/2023 05:13

Salem's Lot. Fuck me that bit where he's scratching at the window <shudder>

TheaBrandt · 15/01/2023 05:12

Absolutely dreadful. What were they thinking? The name a teenage Goth might choose. Great for a black cat but even then too dark but a baby?! Sorry would conclude the parents were weirdos.

Original poster
Rickandmortified100 · 15/01/2023 05:08

Yes, it is a place name, which I usually don’t like, however I am rather fond of biblical place names

OP posts:
Original poster
Rickandmortified100 · 15/01/2023 05:07

I should probably have added that we aren’t in the UK, it seems this might be relevant judging by responses 😁

OP posts:
MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 15/01/2023 04:10

Jerusalem is sometimes used as a first name in the US, but it’s pretty full-on for the U.K.

Salem’s awful- sorry. You might as well go for Morticia, and have done with it.

Copperoliverbear · 15/01/2023 04:05

No it sounds dark to me reminds me of Satan x

MrsTerryPratchett · 15/01/2023 02:10

Krakenes · 15/01/2023 01:17

Won’t suit some people, but from where I am from this is a lovely name. And it’s not uncommon in the area I live in London. I know 3 little ones called this.

Let me guess. North or West London...

xprincessxjanetx · 15/01/2023 02:02

No.

It's a cat and the capital of Oregon.

HauntedTeaCup · 15/01/2023 01:49

Salem’s Lott excellent book…Mr Barlow 😬😬

EveSix · 15/01/2023 01:48

Lots of associations.
Salaam -peace, most obviously.
Also witch trials.
Also Stephen King.

Marcipex · 15/01/2023 01:42

No no no

CallieQ · 15/01/2023 01:25

You really must be joking!

Powaqa · 15/01/2023 01:23

It's my cats name.

mrsfollowill · 15/01/2023 01:21

No - dreadful - Salem's Lot by Stephen King anyone? It's a cracker of a book but I would not call my child Salem!

ShellsPebbles · 15/01/2023 01:20

Really don’t like it and first thought was witches.

Krakenes · 15/01/2023 01:17

Won’t suit some people, but from where I am from this is a lovely name. And it’s not uncommon in the area I live in London. I know 3 little ones called this.

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