Selam is an Ethiopian name of the Oromo people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Ethiopia. The name is derived from the Oromo language and it means "peace." It is believed to have originated from the greeting phrase used by the Oromo people, which also translates to mean "hello" or "how are you?" In some cultures, Selam is considered a gender-neutral name, while others associate it more commonly with females.
The use of the name Selam dates back centuries in Ethiopia and has been passed down through generations. It is often given to children in hopes that they will bring peace and harmony into their families and communities. The name also carries significant cultural importance as it represents the welcoming nature of the Oromo people towards strangers and guests.
In recent years, Selam has gained popularity worldwide due to its unique sound and positive meaning. Parents have chosen this name for their children not only because it signifies peace but also because it stands out and is easy to pronounce in many languages. Despite its growing international recognition, Selam remains deeply rooted in Ethiopian culture and history.
Overall, the name Selam carries a powerful message of unity, harmony, and warmth that transcends cultural boundaries. It serves as an appropriate choice for parents seeking a meaningful name for their child that reflects positivity and goodwill.
The name Selam has seen a varied number of births each year, with peaks at 11 births in 1998 and 10 births in both 2000 and 2013. The years 1990 and 1991 both had 5 births, as did the years 2003, 2007, and 2014, which are among the lowest recorded numbers of births for this name. Overall, there were a total of 200 births named Selam between 1988 and 2021.