Etymologically, the name is rooted in the concept of peace and wholeness. It is best known as the name of the biblical King of Israel, celebrated for his wealth and wisdom. It is a name that bridges cultures, finding homes in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim traditions alike.
Verdict: Solomon is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It fits the current “vintage revival” trend perfectly, sitting comfortably alongside rising stars like Silas and Arthur. It offers your child a name with deep roots, a recognizable spelling, and a sense of “gentle strength” that will serve them well from the playground to the boardroom.
Solomon Overview
- Meaning: Solomon means “to be or make whole or complete” and also relates to the Hebrew “shalom,” meaning “peace.”
- Gender: Solomon is a boy’s name, though it is also a surname.
- Origin: Solomon is best associated with the biblical king of Israel, known for his wisdom and wealth. It is said that Solomon wrote the Book of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.
- Pronunciation: Solomon is pronounced “SAHL-ah-Mahn” (American English) and “SAWL-ah-Mahn” (British English).
- Popularity: Solomon is currently ranked 894th in the U.S., while ranked 299th among U.S. boys.
- Nicknames: Ollie, Sal, Salmon, Slomie, Sol, Solly, Solo, Sonny, Suljo, Sully, Sunny, Zolly.
- Variations: Salama, Salamon, Saleem, Salem, Salim, Salman, Salomo, Salomon, Salomone, Salomão, Selim, Selman, Shalom, Shelomoh, Shlomo, Sulayman, Sulejman, Süleyman, Zalman.
- Namesakes: Solomon of Montpellier, 13th-century rabbi at Montpellier. Solomon Busendich, Kenyan long-distance runner.
What Does Solomon Mean?
The name Solomon is rich with linguistic depth. While most dictionaries simply define it as “peace,” the etymology offers much more nuance. It derives from the Hebrew root Š-L-M (Shin-Lamed-Mem), which conveys the concept of “wholeness,” “completeness,” or “well-being.” This is the same root found in the Hebrew word “Shalom” (peace) and the Arabic word “Salaam.” Therefore, the name Solomon implies not just the absence of conflict, but a state of complete harmony and restoration.
In the Bible, the name was given to the son of King David and Bathsheba. Interestingly, the prophet Nathan also gave him the name Jedidiah, which means “Beloved of the Lord,” though history remembers him by his regnal name, Solomon.
Where Does the Name Solomon Come From?
Solomon is a classic name of Hebrew origin. It appears in the Old Testament (Tanakh) as Shelomoh. King Solomon reigned during the 10th century BCE and is a central figure in Abrahamic religions. He is credited with building the First Temple in Jerusalem and is revered for his wisdom, famously arbitrating a dispute between two mothers claiming the same child.
Beyond its Jewish roots, the name spread through Europe via Christianity (often spelled Salomon in France and Scandinavia) and through the Middle East via Islam (as Suleiman or Sulayman). It has been in recorded use for over three millennia, making it one of the most enduring names in human history.
How Popular is the Name Solomon?
Solomon is a “slow burn” classic. It is a name that everyone recognizes, yet it has never been trendy enough to feel overused. In the United States, Solomon was a Top 100 staple in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, peaking in the 1910s.
Following the mid-century drift toward shorter, mid-century modern names (like Gary or Scott), Solomon dipped in popularity. However, it has been on a slow, steady upward trajectory since the 1990s. It currently sits in the “sweet spot” for parents: familiar but not common. It is not a Top 10 name like Noah or Liam, making it a distinctive choice for a child born in 2025. It is particularly beloved in Jewish communities and among parents seeking “Old Testament cool.”
How Do I Pronounce Solomon?
In American English, the standard pronunciation is SAHL-ah-mun. The first syllable rhymes with “doll.”
In British English, the vowel sound shifts slightly to SAWL-ah-mun, where the first syllable rhymes with “call.”
Is Solomon a Boy or Girl Name?
Solomon is overwhelmingly considered a first name for boys. While many surnames-turned-first-names (like Addison or Mackenzie) have crossed gender lines, Solomon has remained strictly masculine, likely due to the strong association with the biblical King. It is also a common Jewish surname.
Variations of Solomon
Because this name has traveled the globe for thousands of years, almost every culture has its own spin on it.
- Shlomo: The modern Hebrew variation, very common in Israel.
- Suleiman / Sulayman: The Arabic form, famously borne by Suleiman the Magnificent.
- Salomon: The spelling preferred in France, Scandinavia, and Latin America.
- Zalman: A Yiddish variation often used in Ashkenazi Jewish communities.
- Salamon: The Hungarian variation.
- Salomone: The Italian variation.
Nicknames for Solomon
Solomon is a three-syllable name that invites shortening. Here are the most common and creative options.
- Sol: The most traditional, vintage nickname.
- Solly: A friendly, approachable diminutive.
- Solo: A cool, modern, and edgy option for a spirited child.
- Sal: A casual option often used for the variant Salomon.
- Sonny: A sweet nickname derived from the “Son” ending.
- Zolly: A rare, zestier nickname inspired by the Yiddish Zalman.
- Mony: An unexpected, retro-sounding option taken from the end of the name.
Names Similar to Solomon
If you love the vibe of Solomon, wise, ancient, and substantial, but it isn’t quite right, consider these alternatives.
- Abraham: Like Solomon, this is a foundational patriarch name that commands respect.
- Malachi: Shares the biblical heritage but has a spunkier, more energetic ending.
- Gideon: A Hebrew name meaning “hewer,” it shares the “gentle strength” profile of Solomon.
- Ezekiel: Offers the cool “Z” sound and high-value Scrabble letters while remaining biblical.
- Arthur: While not biblical, it shares the “legendary king” status and vintage feel.
- Moses: Another monumental figure in history with a soft sound.
- Silas: A shorter, slightly more rustic alternative that shares the “S” and “L” sounds.
- Samson: A powerful name meaning “sun,” often associated with physical strength rather than wisdom.
Middle Names for Solomon
Finding the right flow is key. Because Solomon is a long, three-syllable name (dactyl rhythm), it pairs beautifully with single-syllable or crisp two-syllable middle names.
Classic & Timeless
These pairings anchor Solomon in history and sound like a distinguished scholar or statesman.
Modern & Crisp
These handsome middle names provide a cool contrast to the vintage first name.
Earthy & Natural
Soft nature names complement the “peaceful” meaning of Solomon.
- Solomon Reed
- Solomon Ash
- Solomon Rory
- Solomon Silas
- Solomon Ames
Sibling Names for Solomon
A name as strong as Solomon requires siblings with equal weight and history.
For a Brother
- Elijah: Matches the biblical pedigree and popularity.
- Atticus: A literary name that matches Solomon’s intellectual vibe.
- Jonah: A gentle Old Testament name that flows well with Solomon.
- Theodore: Shares the vintage, classic revival style.
- Ezra: Short, punchy, and scribal, making it a great brother name.
For a Sister
- Esther: A Persian/Hebrew name meaning “star” that pairs perfectly in era and origin.
- Naomi: Means “pleasantness,” complimenting Solomon’s “peace.”
- Abigail: A classic biblical name that means “my father is joy.”
- Ruth: Short, strong, and deeply loyal.
- Miriam: A lyrical name with deep roots in the same historical texts.
Famous People Named Solomon
The name has been borne by kings, artists, and athletes throughout history.
- Solomon Burke: An American preacher and singer, known as the “King of Rock and Soul.”
- Solomon Northup: The American abolitionist and author of the memoir 12 Years a Slave.
- Solomon R. Guggenheim: An American art collector and philanthropist for whom the famous New York museum is named.
- Solomon Thomas: An American football defensive end for the NFL.
- Sol LeWitt: A famous American artist linked to various movements, including conceptual art and minimalism (born Solomon).
Solomon in Pop Culture
- Solomon Grundy: A nursery rhyme character who became a well-known zombie supervillain in the DC Comics universe.
- Solomon Lane: The primary antagonist in the Mission: Impossible film franchise.
- Sol Star: A historical figure depicted as a central character in the acclaimed TV series Deadwood.
- Solomon: The wizard in the film and manga series Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic.
FAQs About the Name Solomon
Is Solomon Considered a Religious Name?
Yes, Solomon is widely considered a religious name due to the prominence of King Solomon in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. However, in modern usage, it has crossed over into general classic territory. Many secular parents choose it simply for its vintage charm, distinguished sound, and intellectual “dark academia” vibe, rather than solely for its religious significance.
What Are Common Misspellings of Solomon?
The most common error is spelling the name “Soloman” with an “a” at the end. This is a frequent mistake because the unstressed vowel sound (schwa) in the final syllable sounds like “mun” or “man.” The correct spelling is strictly Solomon with three “o”s.
What Does the Name Solomon Mean Biblically?
The biblical Solomon is a variation of the Hebrew Sholomoh. In the Bible, Solomon is the second son of David, who became a very wise king and peacemaker in the ancient kingdom of Israel. Solomon appears 12 times in the New Testament Gospels and Book of Acts. As a Bible figure, Solomon is an ancestor of Christ, according to the Gospel of Matthew.
What Was Solomon’s Name in the Bible?
Although Solomon is known as a wise king of Israel in the Bible, he wasn’t simply called Solomon. The Book of Samuel reports that Solomon’s name at birth was changed to Jedidiah by the prophet Nathan. The prophet was sent a message by God to name their second son (Solomon) Jedidiah, meaning “beloved of the Lord.”
Is Solomon a Holy Name?
As a religious name, Solomon has remained traditionally Jewish throughout the centuries. It links any newborn son to the famous king of Israel, known for his great wealth, wisdom, and peacemaking abilities. However, during the Middle Ages, Christians also used Solomon. Influenced by the biblical King Solomon, the peaceful one, many Christians at that time considered Solomon a nickname for anyone known to be wise.
What is the “Ring of Solomon”?
In medieval mysticism and Middle Eastern folklore, the Ring of Solomon (or Seal of Solomon) was a magical signet ring said to be possessed by King Solomon. Legends claim the ring gave him the power to command demons, genies (jinn), and spirits, as well as the ability to speak with animals. This mythology adds a layer of magical intrigue to the name beyond its scriptural history.
Is the Name Solomon Rising or Falling in Popularity?
Solomon is currently on a gentle rise. After dipping in usage during the 1970s and 80s, it has stabilized and is slowly climbing the charts again. It fits the current trend of “soft masculinity”, names that are strong but not aggressive. It is becoming increasingly popular among parents who want an alternative to top-ranking biblical names like Noah or Elijah.
