Salah is a masculine given name of Arabic origin. It is derived from the Arabic verb "salla", which means "to pray" or "to seek refuge". The name Salah has deep-rooted significance in Islamic culture, as it refers to the five daily prayers that Muslims perform towards the Kaaba in Mecca.
The name Salah is often associated with the Islamic prophet and messenger Muhammad. According to Islamic tradition, Allah granted Muhammad the ability to perform miracles, including dividing the moon into two parts during his Night Journey (Isra) from Mecca to Jerusalem. This miracle is known as "Qadimah" or "Split of the Moon," and it is referenced in several verses of the Quran.
The name Salah has been popular among Muslims throughout history and continues to be widely used today. It is often chosen for its religious significance and as a means of expressing one's faith and devotion to Allah. Additionally, the name Salah is considered to bring good fortune and protection upon its bearer.
In various cultures, the name Salah has been adopted and adapted in different forms. For instance, in some African languages, it is spelled as "Saleh," while in other regions, it may be transliterated differently due to variations in pronunciation or spelling systems. Despite these differences, the core meaning of the name remains unchanged: a seeker of refuge and prayer.
In conclusion, Salah is a meaningful and significant name with deep roots in Islamic culture and tradition. Its association with the miracle of the Split of the Moon and the daily prayers performed by Muslims makes it a powerful and memorable choice for parents seeking to bestow a deeply meaningful name upon their child.
The name Salah has seen a significant increase in popularity over the past few decades in the United States. With only 6 births recorded in 1972 and 5 births each year until 1979, the name's usage remained quite low during this period.
However, starting from 1980, there was a notable surge in the number of babies named Salah, with 11 births that year. This trend continued throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with peaks occurring in 1996 (20 births) and 1998 (16 births).
The early 2000s saw a further increase in popularity for the name Salah. The year 2002 marked a significant turning point, with 23 babies named Salah, surpassing the previous peak by several births. This upward trend continued until 2009, reaching an all-time high of 35 births in 2014.
Although there was a slight dip in popularity between 2015 and 2020, with numbers ranging from 25 to 29 births per year, the name Salah has remained consistently popular. In fact, it has shown an upward trend once again since 2021, with 32 births recorded that year and 39 in 2022.
In total, there have been 921 babies named Salah born in the United States between 1972 and 2023. This steady increase in popularity over time demonstrates that the name Salah has become an established and well-liked choice among parents across several generations.