Last Name Salom

Learn more about the origin of the last name Salom

The meaning and origin of the last name Salom

The surname Salom is of Hebrew origin, stemming from the biblical name Solomon, which means "peaceful" or "wise." This name is well-known for its association with King Solomon, one of the most famous figures in Jewish history and tradition. The name Solomon was also popular among early Christians, where it was given to children born on Christmas Day and named after the wise men (magi) from the East who visited Jesus. Over time, the surname Salom or its variants (e.g., Salomon, Salumon) spread across Europe, particularly in countries with significant Jewish populations such as Germany, France, and Spain. The name has since been transmitted and adapted through various migrations, becoming common among other ethnic groups and regions over time. Today, the surname Salom can be found globally, reflecting its rich history and diverse cultural heritage.

Geographical distribution of the last name Salom

The last name Salom is predominantly found in regions with historic Jewish populations, particularly in Europe and the Middle East. According to data from the JewishGen family surname database, the highest concentrations of the Salom surname can be found in Israel, Poland, Ukraine, and Lithuania. In Israel, it is one of the more common last names among Sephardic Jews. The name also appears with some frequency in other European countries such as France, Germany, and Russia, suggesting a diaspora of Jewish families from these regions. Beyond Europe and the Middle East, the Salom surname can also be found in North Africa, Central Asia, and South America, reflecting the global dispersion of Jewish communities over centuries.

Variants and spellings of the last name Salom

The surname Salom has several variations and spellings across different regions and languages. Here are some examples:

1. Salomon - This is the most common English variant. It originates from the Hebrew name Shlomo, which means "peaceful" or "calm".
2. Salomão - This Portuguese and Galician version of the name reflects its Hebrew origins, meaning "the peaceable one".
3. Salomo - In German, this is a variant of the name. It also has Slavic roots and can be found in countries such as Russia or Ukraine.
4. Salamón - In Spanish, this is another variation, with the accent on the second syllable. It maintains its Hebrew origins but may have been influenced by the regional phonetics.
5. Saleh - This Arabic version of the name has a similar meaning to Shlomo, emphasizing peace and calmness.
6. Salama - In Swahili, this is a female given name that shares roots with the Hebrew name Shlomo, but it does not necessarily represent the same surname as its English, Portuguese, or German counterparts.

Famous people with the last name Salom

The Salom surname is associated with several notable figures across various fields. In music, the family produced two celebrated composers: Max Salomon (1869-1964), a renowned Austrian composer and conductor, and Moritz Salomon (1825-1907), a German violinist known for his work with the Leipzig Gewandhaus Orchestra. In the world of science, Solomon Salowitsch Salomon (1863-1942), also known as Salomon Auguste Andrée, was a Swedish balloonist and scientist best remembered for his failed attempt to reach the North Pole by hot air balloon in 1897. In literature, Isaac D'Israeli Salomonson (1795-1848), born in London but later naturalized as an American citizen, was a prominent American author and journalist of the early 19th century. Lastly, Salomón Bochner (1902-1982) was a Hungarian-American mathematician whose work has had significant influence on harmonic analysis, operator theory, and mathematical physics.

Genealogical research on the last name Salom

The surname Salom is predominantly of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name "Shlomo" which means "peaceful" or "tranquil." It is most commonly associated with Jewish families, particularly those originating from Spain and Portugal, where it emerged in the Middle Ages. Following the expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 and Portugal in 1497, many families bearing the name Salom migrated to other parts of Europe, North Africa, and the Americas, preserving their ancestry through genealogical records. In recent years, advancements in digital technology have facilitated extensive research on the Salom lineage, revealing notable descendants such as Isaac Salomon, a prominent German rabbi of the 18th century, and Julio Salom, a Spanish footballer who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona during the early 20th century. As such, the surname Salom reflects a rich cultural heritage that continues to evolve across the globe.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Salom"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 13 June 2025