Shem
A unisex name of Hebrew origin, meaning name or renown.
Babies a year
16
the US, 2017
Rarity
Very rare
among names in use
US popularity
—
outside the top 1000
UK popularity
—
outside the ONS list
Shem by the numbers
Shem was given to 16 American babies in 2017, the most recent full year we hold.
Its American peak was 23 babies in 1976, making it a 1970s name.
Other names that mean praise
Like Shem, each of these has praise in its meaning. Different names, different histories, the same idea.
- Sebastianvenerable, revered10,149 in the US (2017)
- Aaronmountain of strength; exalted7,185 in the US (2017)
- Norahonour, light6,036 in the US (2017)
- Muhammadpraiseworthy, worthy of praise5,957 in England and Wales (2025)
- Robertbright fame; renowned warrior5,507 in the US (2017)
- Austingreat; venerable; a form of augustus5,161 in the US (2017)
Names about as common as Shem
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