The first name Saleh

In 2025, 34 boys were named Saleh, making it the 914th most popular boys’ name. It peaked in 2023, with 45 births (#738).

Office for National Statistics; years with fewer than three births are not published and show as zero. Compare Saleh with other names.

In 2025, 55 boys born in the United States were named Saleh, the 2,472nd most popular boys’ name that year. It was used most in 2018, when 83 were.

US Social Security Administration, from applications for a Social Security card. A name is only published for a year when at least five babies were given it, so quieter years show as zero.

• Mahamat Saleh Haroun
  Chadian film director, producer and screenwriter, born 1961
• Saleh Kebzabo
  Chadian politician, born 1947
• Saleh as-Sammad
  Former head of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, 1979–2018
• Salih ibn Ali
  Abbasid governor and general (711-769)
• Salih ibn Tarif
  Amazigh (Berber) king, born 728

• Muhammad
• Mohammed
• Mohammad
• Ibrahim
• Mohamed
• Yusuf
• Ahmed
• Omar
• Ahmad
• Abdullah
• Musa
• Amir
• Muhammed
• Yahya
• Hamza
• Mustafa

All 218 names of Arabic origin

What does the name Saleh mean?

Saleh means “pious” in Arabic.

What is the origin of the name Saleh?

From Iranian Persian صالح (sâleh) or directly from Arabic صَالِح (ṣāliḥ, literally “pious”).

How popular is the name Saleh?

In 2025, 34 boys born in England and Wales were named Saleh, ranking 914th. Its peak was 2023, with 45 births.

Is Saleh a boy's or a girl's name?

Mostly a boy's name: 100% of the 1,783 US babies named Saleh since 1880 were boys.

When was Saleh most popular?

2018 in the United States, when 83 babies were named Saleh, its highest rank at 1,832nd.

What name is Saleh a form of?

Saleh is a form of Salih.

Is Saleh also a surname?

Yes. Saleh is used as a surname as well as a first name; its surname page has the origin and how many people carry it.