Origin and Meaning of Shalom

Meaning & Origin

Peace, completeness, welfare

Origin: Hebrew - The word 'Shalom' is derived from the Hebrew root 'Š-L-M', which means 'to be complete' or 'to be safe.'

Interesting Facts

  • Shalom is commonly used as a greeting in Hebrew, similar to 'hello' or 'goodbye,' embodying the wish for peace.
  • In Jewish culture, shalom represents not only peace but also a sense of wholeness, harmony, and well-being.
  • Notable figures with the name or similar variants include Shalom Aleichem, a famous Yiddish author known for his stories reflecting Jewish life.
  • Shalom has seen moderate popularity, especially among Jewish communities, but it remains relatively less common as a first name compared to more traditional names.
  • Variations of the name include Shaloma and Shalomi, as well as names that incorporate 'Shalom' as a compound, such as Shalomov or Shalome.