Shem is a masculine given name of Hebrew origin. It is derived from the Hebrew word "shem," which means "name." In the Bible, Shem is the eldest son of Noah and the father of all the children of Eber (the ancestor of the Hebrews). According to Jewish tradition, Shem was one of the three patriarchs who were present at the creation of the world, along with his brothers Japheth and Ham. The name Shem has been used by various cultures throughout history, including in ancient Mesopotamia, where it was associated with the god Shamash, the god of the sun. Today, Shem is still a popular given name among Jewish families and has also gained popularity as an international name due to its biblical significance and strong meaning.
The name Shem has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, with its popularity ebbing and flowing over time. In the year 1970, there were five newborns given the name Shem. This figure represents a unique snapshot in time for this particular name.