Shem

Boy name

Shem has been given to 755 babies in the U.S. since 1954. It peaked in 1976.

Popularity over time births per year, 1880–2025

Hover or tap the chart to read any year.

Total babies

755

Peak year

1976 (23 babies)

Rank in 2025

Below top 1000

First recorded

1954

10-year trend

▼ -41%

Gender split

1% girls / 99% boys

Names one letter away from Shem — alternate spellings parents actually use.

21,102 babies since 1950

Same primary gender, peaked around the same years, and roughly as common as Shem.

755 babies since 1963

756 babies since 1975

754 babies since 1969

757 babies since 1969

752 babies since 1972

759 babies since 1976

750 babies since 1952

761 babies since 1920

How popular is the name Shem?

Shem has been given to 755 babies in the U.S. since 1954. It ranked below the top 1000 in 2025.

When did the name Shem peak?

Shem peaked in 1976, when 23 babies were given the name.

Is Shem a girl or boy name?

Shem is primarily a boy name (99% of babies named Shem are boys).

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