Shem Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Shem originates from Hebrew, meaning 'name' or 'renown.' It has maintained its form through language evolution from ancient Hebrew to modern usage. Shem is known for his biblical significance as Noah's son, contributing to his continued recognition despite waning popularity as a first name today.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Shem"
Pronunciation
/ʃɛm/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
The name Shem comes from the Hebrew word 'shem,' meaning 'name' or 'renown.' In the Bible, Shem is one of the three sons of Noah, and his lineage is associated with the Semitic peoples.
Meaning
name, renown
Language Evolution
Shem (Hebrew), Sema (Latin), Shem (English)
Biblical Background
Shem is a significant biblical figure, known as one of Noah's sons, and is often considered the ancestor of the Semitic nations.
Historical Usage
The name Shem has been used since ancient times, particularly within Jewish and Christian traditions, and has remained relatively consistent through history.
Variants & Derivatives
Shema, Shemuel, Shemar
Modern Popularity & Image
Shem is not commonly used as a first name in modern times but remains recognized due to its biblical roots.
Famous People
Shem Ben-Ari (Israeli football player), Shem Tov (medieval poet and philosopher)
📊 Shem Name Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Shem Name Visualizations
✨ Shem Name Meaning & Significance
Popularity Trend
Less Common name with 23 peak births in 1976
Geographic Spread
Popular across 3 US states, with strongest presence in Utah
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 6 different American generations with varying popularity
🔊 Same Pronunciation Names for "Shem" - Complete Guide (1 Names)
Discover the ultimate list of homophone names and same pronunciation names that sound identical to "Shem". These names share the same pronunciation but may have different spellings, offering alternative options for parents seeking similar-sounding names. Whether you're looking for American or British pronunciation variations, this comprehensive guide includes 1 carefully curated names that maintain the same phonetic sound.
Why explore same pronunciation names? Many parents search for homophone names to find alternative spellings that might be more unique or culturally significant. This ultimate list covers both American and British pronunciation patterns, ensuring you find the perfect variation of "Shem" that fits your preferences.
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Shem"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Shem"
"Shem" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 6502nd of 7552 | 11 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 2868th of 10718 | 196 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 4118th of 16616 | 194 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 6882nd of 24088 | 163 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 5945th of 23106 | 176 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 19264th of 19264 | 5 |
Regional Popularity of "Shem" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
50.82% 1770th/3483 |
- |
60.78% 2458th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - |
59.31% 4426th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Shem" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Shem"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Shem" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends of "Shem" in the United States
The name Shem is most popular in Utah, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Boy name among the Generation X (Gen X) generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Shem has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for male in Northeast, stalled for male in West. Across generations, 'Shem' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 6502nd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2868th out of 10718 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4118th out of 16616 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 6882nd out of 24088 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5945th out of 23106 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 19264th out of 19264 names. Discover how the name 'Shem' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.