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Baby names

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

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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Judgyjudgy · 15/01/2023 00:58

Nope. Makes me think of the Witch Trials

Soproudoflionesses · 15/01/2023 00:58

To me it is a place name - couldn't imagine seeing a tiny baby called that

PeekAtYou · 15/01/2023 00:59

I think if the cat in Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

PacificallyRequested · 15/01/2023 01:00

Makes me think of the talking cat in Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

ofwarren · 15/01/2023 01:00

The vast majority of people will think of the witch trials. I don't think it's usable, except for a pet.

PaperwhiteTheGhost · 15/01/2023 01:04

Cat.
Boy cat.

MrsTerryPratchett · 15/01/2023 01:04

Naming a girl after something which will remind everyone of dreadful violence against women?

Yeah, no.

Is it better than calling a boy that? I'd be hard pressed to decide. I assume the parents think of themselves as edgy and cool. Hmm

Twillow · 15/01/2023 01:05

Not today, Satan.

SirenSays · 15/01/2023 01:06

Purrfect for pets. I knew several gothy/emo kids who gave themselves that name as teens.

LadyGAgain · 15/01/2023 01:16

It's awful. I loved the black cat from Sabrina. Who was male. And isn't it a place in the USA?

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.

ShellsPebbles · 15/01/2023 01:20

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

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!

Powaqa · 15/01/2023 01:23

It's my cats name.

CallieQ · 15/01/2023 01:25

You really must be joking!

Marcipex · 15/01/2023 01:42

No no no

EveSix · 15/01/2023 01:48

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

HauntedTeaCup · 15/01/2023 01:49

Salem’s Lott excellent book…Mr Barlow 😬😬

xprincessxjanetx · 15/01/2023 02:02

No.

It's a cat and the capital of Oregon.

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...

Copperoliverbear · 15/01/2023 04:05

No it sounds dark to me reminds me of Satan x

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.

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:
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:
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.