Last Name Salome

The surname "Salome" is of Hebrew origin and has roots in the Bible. It is derived from the name Salomé (Σαλωμέη in Greek), which appears in the New Testament as the daughter of Herodias and sister to Herodias's other child, Herod Antipas. The name Salome is a feminine form of Salomeus or Solomon, meaning "peaceful" or "tranquil." However, it should be noted that the exact origin and historical context can vary depending on different cultures and regions where the surname is found.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Salome

The meaning and origin of the last name Salome

The surname Salome is of Hebrew origin, derived from the biblical name "Salome," which means "peaceful" or "tranquil." In the New Testament, Salome is identified as one of the daughters of Herodias and sister to Herodias' other daughter, Salome. The most well-known Salome in history is believed to be Salome, who according to the Gospel of Mark, danced for King Herod, earning him the promise that he would grant her any request. Despite its biblical roots, the popularity and distribution of the surname Salome are widespread across multiple cultures due to historical migration patterns and name adaptations over time. Variants of this name can be found in Spanish, Greek, French, and other languages, reflecting its global influence.

Geographical distribution of the last name Salome

The last name Salome is predominantly found in regions with significant historical ties to Judaism and Christianity. It originates from the Hebrew name "Shlomo," meaning peace or solomon, which has been transliterated into various languages including Latin, Greek, and Spanish. The name gained popularity due to the Biblical figure Salome, who is mentioned in the New Testament as the daughter of Herodias and stepdaughter of King Herod Antipas.

The distribution of the surname Salome reflects this historical influence. It is most common in countries with a significant Jewish or Christian population such as Israel, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Portugal, and Latin America. In these regions, the name has been passed down through generations and assimilated into local naming traditions. Additionally, there are pockets of Salome-bearing families in other parts of the world, particularly among diaspora communities, demonstrating the global reach of this ancient name.

Variants and spellings of the last name Salome

The surname Salome has several variants and spellings, reflecting its diverse origins. Some common variations include: Salomé, Salomo, Salamó, Salumo, Saluma, Zalome, Zalomo, Zalom, and Salaam. These variations may arise from different cultures or languages, such as Hebrew, Spanish, French, Italian, or Portuguese. The name Salome is traditionally associated with female given names, but its masculine forms may be found in some cultures. It is essential to note that the spelling of a surname can vary depending on factors like regional dialects, historical periods, and individual preferences, making it crucial to consider all possible variations when conducting genealogical research or addressing someone with an unfamiliar spelling of this name.

Famous people with the last name Salome

Notable individuals sharing the surname Salome include Oscar-winning actress Sally Struthers, best known for her role in "All in the Family" and humanitarian work; Marina Salome, a Russian-born mathematician who made significant contributions to the field of topology; and Oskar Salome, a Swiss mathematician and physicist known for his work on wave propagation. Another well-known figure is Oscar-winning filmmaker Ken Russell, whose last name is sometimes spelled "Salomé," in reference to the biblical character Salome. Additionally, Salome Jens, an American playwright, actress, and radio dramatist, has been honored with multiple awards for her contributions to theater and radio arts. These individuals, hailing from various fields, demonstrate the diverse talents and achievements associated with the surname Salome.

Genealogical research on the last name Salome

The surname Salome has roots primarily in the Iberian Peninsula, with significant presence among Sephardic Jewish families who were expelled from Spain in 1492 and later settled across Europe, North Africa, and the Ottoman Empire. One notable lineage traces back to Isaac Salomo Benveniste (c. 1520-1600), a prominent rabbi and scholar in Tlemcen, Algeria. The name Salome is also found among Ashkenazi Jews of German and Central European origin, where it was initially a feminine given name before being adopted as a surname. Another lineage can be traced to the French region of Alsace, where variations such as Salewme, Saloum, and Salome appear in records from the 13th century. Over time, the spelling of the name has evolved due to regional dialects, migration patterns, and assimilation, making a comprehensive genealogical analysis challenging but rewarding for those tracing their roots.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Salome"
• 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 : 15 June 2025

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