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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Salem? For a boy?

35 replies

thehogopogo · 17/08/2013 22:47

Really struggling for boys names. Have always kinda liked Salem as a name but never seriously considered it as I just automatically associated it with a certain black cat and other 'witchy' themes. BUT. I just looked up the meaning, and I think it's beautiful. It means 'peaceful/complete'. The meaning of a name is of particular importance to me..

I just don't know.

Does the name Salem have any associations in the UK?yet?

I need some gentle, kind commentary if you please?

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Fairylea · 17/08/2013 22:49
pongping · 17/08/2013 22:51

Uh, no.

pongping · 17/08/2013 22:52

What are your criteria? Maybe we can find something else suitable?

WinkyWinkola · 17/08/2013 22:52

Negative associations for me.

Solomon nn Solly is similar?

Onesleeptillwembley · 17/08/2013 22:52

Just no. Ridiculous.

BasilBabyEater · 17/08/2013 22:52

Associations are the Salem witch trials and Daniel Day Lewis shouting about his name

PollyPlummer · 17/08/2013 22:55

Solomon is lovely and I like Saul too.
I would think of the Salem witch trials.

maja00 · 17/08/2013 22:58

Salem makes me think witch trials.

Are you thinking of it as an alternative spelling of Salim though? Meaning peace/peaceful?

SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 17/08/2013 22:59

Are you stark staring mad? Hmm
You want to name your child after a place where murder was committed in the name or religion and mass hysteria? Confused

BettyBotter · 17/08/2013 22:59

Just google Salem and you will see the associations. Hmm

Are you serious?

WinkyWinkola · 17/08/2013 23:00

Bit of an ott hostile reaction that last one and offering no helpful alternativesHmm

BettyBotter · 17/08/2013 23:00

What about Nuremburg instead?

meditrina · 17/08/2013 23:02

It's also a brand of cigarettes (big in Asia).

maja00 · 17/08/2013 23:03

SAY-lem = place of witch trials, Sabrina the Teenage Witch's cat

Sa-LEEM = boys' name meaning peace

SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 17/08/2013 23:05

I don't think its OTT. The poor kid has to live with the name. And the history of Salem is horrible.

miffybun73 · 17/08/2013 23:07

I just think of witch trials and mass hysteria.

bootsycollins · 17/08/2013 23:10

I loved Salem from Sabrina the Teenage Witch, he had bags of cattitude. I don't think Salem really works on any level for a person, at best it sounds like a tongue in cheek stage name for an ironic 80's death metal band and at worst spawn of Satan. It's a total oddball name.

bootsycollins · 17/08/2013 23:11

How about Sayeed?

Original poster
thehogopogo · 17/08/2013 23:11

Thank you for the ahem kind & gentle commentary.

OP posts:
maja00 · 17/08/2013 23:13

Spelled Saleem or Salim you avoid the witchy connotations.

Original poster
thehogopogo · 17/08/2013 23:13

Pongping,

I'm looking for a kind, gentle name-without being wussy or sappy, I don't mind traditional or unusual..??

OP posts:
elQuintoConyo · 17/08/2013 23:19

Isn't it short for Jerusalem?

Not keen. I shall come back tomorrow with some suggestions. In the meantime, here's some Cake

SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 17/08/2013 23:21

What about some good strong traditional names? James?

Original poster
thehogopogo · 17/08/2013 23:25

I'm not against strong traditional names, but I have a very large family with very many brothers/ cousins.

So we can pretty much rule out the current top 20 baby boys names.

OP posts:
SaggyOldClothCatPuss · 17/08/2013 23:33

Ok. what about biblical? Caleb? Joshua?

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