Boy nameCurrently #6,750 in the USSteady
Shem
1 syllablePeak year: 19784 lettersStarts with S
Meaning & origin
We're still researching Shem's meaning
We don't have a verified origin story for this name yet — we'd rather leave it blank than make one up. Check back soon, or explore the popularity data below in the meantime.
Shem's popularity over time
| Year | Births named Shem |
|---|---|
| 1954 | 5 |
| 1960 | 6 |
| 1965 | 6 |
| 1966 | 7 |
| 1968 | 9 |
| 1969 | 8 |
| 1970 | 13 |
| 1971 | 9 |
| 1972 | 17 |
| 1973 | 16 |
| 1974 | 12 |
| 1975 | 13 |
| 1976 | 23 |
| 1977 | 21 |
| 1978 | 23 |
| 1979 | 14 |
| 1980 | 10 |
| 1981 | 18 |
| 1982 | 17 |
| 1983 | 15 |
| 1984 | 10 |
| 1985 | 8 |
| 1986 | 10 |
| 1987 | 14 |
| 1988 | 15 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1990 | 12 |
| 1991 | 16 |
| 1992 | 13 |
| 1993 | 10 |
| 1994 | 9 |
| 1995 | 13 |
| 1996 | 8 |
| 1997 | 6 |
| 1998 | 11 |
| 1999 | 12 |
| 2000 | 14 |
| 2001 | 6 |
| 2002 | 10 |
| 2003 | 11 |
| 2004 | 12 |
| 2005 | 15 |
| 2006 | 14 |
| 2007 | 13 |
| 2008 | 8 |
| 2009 | 10 |
| 2010 | 7 |
| 2011 | 7 |
| 2012 | 7 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2014 | 16 |
| 2015 | 17 |
| 2016 | 11 |
| 2017 | 16 |
| 2018 | 17 |
| 2019 | 16 |
| 2020 | 12 |
| 2021 | 13 |
| 2022 | 17 |
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 13 |
Shem through the decades
- Shem peaked in 1978, when 23 babies were named Shem in the US.
- Over the last 10 years of data (2015–2024), use of Shem has risen 27% compared to the 10 years before that.
- Shem currently ranks #6,750 in the US and is holding steady.