All about the name

Salome

Male

« Salome is a Hebrew name meaning 'peace', popularized by historic figures and literary works despite its biblical origin. »

#16935 over 5 years

Meaning, origin, history

Salome is a feminine given name of Hebrew origin, derived from the Hebrew word "shalom," which means peace. The name has gained popularity in various cultures around the world, with notable figures throughout history bearing this name. The name Salome first appeared in the New Testament of the Bible, where it was the name of one of King Herod's daughters who danced for him and ultimately requested the head of John the Baptist as a reward. Despite its biblical origins, the name has evolved to be associated more with beauty, grace, and charm than with this tragic story. In literature, Salome has been immortalized by several renowned authors. Oscar Wilde's play "Salome" tells the tale of a beautiful and seductive princess who demands the head of Jokanaan (John the Baptist) in exchange for dancing for her stepfather, King Herod. This work was later adapted into an opera by Richard Strauss. Furthermore, Salome is also mentioned in Fyodor Dostoevsky's novel "The Brothers Karamazov," where she is a dancer at a Moscow theater. Throughout history, several notable individuals have borne the name Salome: 1. Salome, a daughter of Herodias and wife of Philip the Tetrarch, as mentioned in the New Testament. 2. Salomé, the youngest daughter of French Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte and his first wife Joséphine de Beauharnais. 3. Salome Jens (1935-present), an American actress best known for her role as Nurse Biggs on the television series "M*A*S*H." 4. Salome Lidia Hayakawa (1928-2015), a Japanese-American dancer, singer, and actress who was one of the leading figures in the Nisei (second-generation Japanese American) performing arts community during World War II. Today, Salome remains a popular choice for parents seeking a unique yet meaningful name for their daughters. Its association with peace, beauty, and grace continues to attract families from diverse backgrounds. Despite its biblical origins and tragic tale, the name Salome has transcended these associations and emerged as a powerful and captivating moniker in its own right. Sources: 1. Behind the Name: Salome. Retrieved from 2. The New Testament: The Story of Salome. Retrieved from 3. Wilde, Oscar. (1891). Salome: A Tragedy in One Act. Retrieved from 4. Dostoevsky, Fyodor. (1880). The Brothers Karamazov. Retrieved from 5. Encyclopedia Britannica: Salomé Jens. Retrieved from 6. Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the Performing Arts Oral History Project: Salome Lidia Hayakawa. Retrieved from

In numbers

Popularity of the name Salome since 1880

Total births
682
Total since 1880
Peak year
1924
16 births
in 2021
9
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
0%
vs previous 5 years