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
The name Salome has had varying popularity in the United States over the years, as reflected by the annual birth statistics from 1910 to 2021.
From 1910 to 1934, the number of births with the name Salome fluctuated between 5 and 16 per year. The highest frequency during this period was in 1924 with 16 births. However, from 1935 onwards, the popularity of the name decreased significantly.
Between 1935 and 1980, there were less than 10 births per year with the name Salome, with a few exceptions such as 1952, 1954, and 1977 where the number of births ranged from 11 to 15.
From 1981 onwards, the popularity of the name Salome continued to decline. There were only a handful of births per year with this name, ranging from 5 to 13, with most years having fewer than 10 births.
The total number of births in the United States with the name Salome from 1910 to 2021 was 682. This shows that while the name Salome has had periods of popularity over the decades, it is not one of the most common names in the US.