Shem Meaning, History, Origin And Popularity
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In This Article
- ❯Origin, Meaning, And History Of Shem
- ❯How To Pronounce Shem?
- ❯‘Shem’ In QR Code
- ❯Notable People Named Shem
- ❯Shem On The Popularity Chart
- ❯Popularity Over Time
- ❯Rank Over Time
- ❯Popularity Within US States
- ❯Shem Name's Presence On Social Media
- ❯Shem’s Mention In Fictional Works
- ❯Names With Similar Sound As Shem
- ❯Popular Sibling Names For Shem
- ❯Other Popular Names Beginning With S
- ❯Names With Similar Meaning As Shem
- ❯Names Rhyming With Shem
- ❯Acrostic Poem On Shem
- ❯Adorable Nicknames For Shem
- ❯Shem’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
- ❯Shem’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
- ❯Shem Personality Traits As Per Numerology
- ❯Infographic: Know The Name Shem's Personality As Per Numerology
- ❯Shem In Different Languages
- ❯Shem In Fancy Fonts
- ❯Adorable ‘Shem’ Wallpapers To Share
- ❯How To Communicate The Name Shem In Sign Languages
- ❯Name Numerology For Shem
- ❯Baby Name Lists Containing Shem
- ❯Frequently Asked Questions
- ❯Look Up For Many More Names
- ❯Phonemic Representation Of Shem
- Community Experiences
Origin, Meaning, And History Of Shem
Shem is a masculine given name that means ‘name’ or ‘renown’ in Hebrew. In the Old Testament, Shem is the name of one of Noah’s three sons, famous for building an ark and surviving the great flood.
According to the biblical account, Noah and his family disembarked from the ark after the flood and repopulated the earth. Shem’s descendants are said to have spread throughout the Middle East and Asia.
The name Shem also appears in other ancient texts, such as the Assyrian and Babylonian records, where he is referred to as ‘Sumu-abum,’ which translates to ‘the name of the father.’ In these texts, Shem is regarded as the forefather of the Semitic people, who are believed to have spoken the Semitic languages, including Hebrew, Aramaic, and Arabic.
According to Jewish traditions, Shem is also credited with preserving the knowledge of the Torah and passing it down to future generations. According to the Talmud, a central text of Judaism, Shem was one of the people who received the Torah directly from Adam.
In Islamic tradition, Shem is recognized as one of the prophets and referred to as Sam, with his name pronounced as ‘saam’ in Arabic. Additionally, Shem is recognized in various cultures as Shemi (Georgian) and Sem (Greek and Latin).
Besides its Biblical connections, the name also is used to name some fictional characters. Shem the Penman is a character in the novel Finnegans Wake by James Joyce. He is one of the two sons of the protagonist, who represents the creative and artistic of the human psyche in the novel. The Heavens Before, a novel written by Kacy Barnett-Gramckow, also has a character named Shem.
Overall, Shem is a unique name carrying a sense of tradition and history. It has a strong biblical association and is often used by families looking for a meaningful and distinctive name for their children.
Shem
How To Pronounce Shem?
The way you pronounce a name can make all the difference.
Listen to the sound of the name Shem in English.
‘Shem’ In QR Code
Here's a unique feature for the modern, tech-savvy, and curious parents – have your baby's name in a QR code. If you want your close circle to know your newborn's name, all you need to do is simply scan and share it. The code not only shows the name but its meaning as well; this means you don't have to painfully explain the meaning of your baby's name anymore! So, go ahead. Download, save, and share it with your family and friends, or use it to create personalized keepsakes for your little one.
Notable People Named Shem
This section covers people who have made the name Shem famous with their contributions in various fields. It indeed is a little more inspiration for you to choose the name for your baby, don’t you think?
- Shem DrowneAmerican coppersmith and tinplate worker, most famous for crafting the grasshopper weathervane atop of Faneuil Hall
- Shem-Tov SabagIsraeli former Olympic marathoner, won the 1989 Vancouver Marathon
- Shem KororiaFormer Kenyan long-distance runner, represented his native country at the 1996 Summer Olympics
- Shem NgocheKenyan cricketer, named as the captain of Kenya's squad for the Regional Finals of the 2018-19 ICC T20 World Cup Africa Qualifier tournament in Uganda
- Shem TatupuFormer rugby union footballer from New Zealand, represented his country in the 1995 Rugby Union World Cup
Shem On The Popularity Chart
Shem is a sweet-sounding name that attracts several parents. Refer to the graphs below to gain insight into its popularity over the years.
Popularity Over Time
Shem’s popularity has experienced turbulent changes over the years. The graphical representation below provides a clear overview of the name’s popularity over time.
Source: Social Security AdministrationRank Over Time
The graph below displays Shem’s ranking over the years. Take a look for a better understanding.
Source: Social Security AdministrationPopularity Within US States
If you're living in the US, you might be curious about the popularity of Shem in your own state, a state you're considering moving to, or one with which you have a connection. Use the drop-down menu below to select any US state and discover the name's popularity within that region.
Shem Name’s Presence On Social Media
Before you finalize your baby’s name, you would want to assess if the name is rare or popular. Digital footprint of the name - it’s presence on the internet and social media platforms - can provide you with valuable insights on it’s popularity. A name’s online presence is an important metric for new parents to evaluate their options and make an informed choice. How many people are searching the name on Google, how many profiles are there on Facebook, does the name have a Wikipedia page? Such information surely tells you if the name is ubiquitous or unique. Here is how Shem fares on that count.
Shem’s Mention In Fictional Works
In this section, know how the creative minds have treated the name Shem in their fictional works. How often has the name been woven into the storylines, and how popular was the character – these details may not directly influence your naming decision, but you would like to know about Shem’s performance in the world of entertainment, won’t you? Moreover, it could be the name of the character from a movie or series you loved or binge-watched recently! So, check out Shem’s performance in the fictional cosmos.
Title | Character name | Role played by |
---|---|---|
Loggins & Messina: Sittin' in Again | Shem von Schroeck | Shem von Schroeck |
The Animated Kid's Bible | Shem | Alex Chiddy |
Passages from James Joyce's Finnegans Wake | Shem | Peter Haskell |
Testament: The Bible in Animation | Shem | Simon Harris |
Riff-Raff | Shem | Jim R. Coleman |
Names With Similar Sound As Shem
The name Shem has a unique sound to it. If you are looking for more such names, here are a few options that you can explore.
Popular Sibling Names For Shem
If you are looking for some matching sibling names that resonate with Shem, check our suggestions here.
Boy Sibling Names For Shem
Find matching brother names for Shem and create a wonderful team of siblings.
ChaimGirl Sibling Names For Shem
Looking for some suitable sister names for Shem? Check out our collection of beautiful and unique names.
ChaghamaOther Popular Names Beginning With S
Looking for more baby names starting with the letter S to resonate with your family’s naming tradition or to rhyme with the sibling names? Find a range of alternative names starting with this letter.
Names With Similar Meaning As Shem
If you find the meaning of Shem appealing, here are some more names with similar connotations.
Names Rhyming With Shem
The significance of rhyming names extends beyond their aesthetic appeal and a good feel. The repetition and symmetry enhance their memorability. If you want your children’s names to be easily remembered or tune with your name, try some rhyming names. Here are such names that rhyme with Shem.
Acrostic Poem On Shem
Dive into the lyrical charm of the name Shem with this acrostic poem. Witness how each letter paints together a story, capturing the name’s individuality, strength, vitality, and sophistication. Inspiring, is it? Why not try a similar poem that describes what you think of your baby’s personality?
Sprinkling laughter like a fresh summer rain.
Happy-go-lucky, you are bubbly and gusty.
Ethereal beauty, one in nature’s symphony.
Mystical as the star-speckled moonlit night.
Adorable Nicknames For Shem
Nicknames are an integral part of your communication with your baby. You tend to use several variations of your child’s name; some are meaningful, while others are simply adorable sounds. Here are a few nicknames you can begin with for the name Shem.
- Shemy
- Shemmy
- Shemster
- Em
- Emmie
Shem’s Zodiac Sign As Per Western Astrology
Western astrology includes the construction of a horoscope based on the person’s exact time of birth and location to understand the positions of the planet, stars, and zodiac signs at that time. However, in popular culture, it is often narrowed down to the sun sign, which depends on the person’s birth date.There are 12 zodiac signs, each having dominant traits, planetary rulers, elemental connection, and more.
Zodiac sign or Sun sign
The Earth’s orbit around the sun is divided into 12 zodiac signs covering 30-degree sectors. According to Western astrology, the zodiac or sun sign depends on the sun’s position in one of these sectors at the time of your birth. Starting from the sun’s position at the March equinox, the chart goes anti-clockwise from Aries, followed by Taurus, Gemini, Cancer, Leo, Virgo, Libra, Scorpio, Sagittarius, Capricorn, Aquarius, and Pisces. These signs are ruled by planetary bodies - Mars, Venus, Mercury, Moon, Sun, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune. Furthermore, they are categorized into triplicities or elemental signs - fire, water, air, and earth - that govern their characteristics. Each of these zodiac signs features certain personality traits that may determine how a person presents themselves.
Why the date of birth matters
Each zodiac sign in Western astrology is linked to a specific range of dates in the year. Unlike Vedic astrology, where names can sometimes be used to infer astrological details, Western astrology relies entirely on the birth date.
To know more about your baby’s zodiac sign, choose the period in which your baby’s date of birth falls, from the options given below. This will give you a glimpse into the world of astrology tailored for your baby.
Select your baby’s birthdate range
Mar 21 – Apr 19
Apr 20 – May 20
May 21 – Jun 20
Jun 21 – Jul 22
Jul 23 – Aug 22
Aug 23 – Sep 22
Sep 23 – Oct 22
Oct 23 – Nov 21
Nov 22 – Dec 21
Dec 22 – Jan 19
Jan 20 – Feb 18
Feb 19 – Mar 20
Shem’s Zodiac Sign And Birth Star As Per Vedic Astrology
Vedic astrology, also called Jyotisha, provides deep insights into a person’s life based on celestial positions at birth. Rashi and nakshatra, which are an integral part of Jyotisha, are believed to influence an individual’s personality and life events. The following sections give you rashi-related information, such as the associated letters, elements, ruling body, quality, and nakshatra for the name Shem. These details help analyze a person’s characteristics, personality, and behavior.
Zodiac Sign (Rashi)
As shown in the following table, each rashi is associated with specific sounds, which are often used as the starting letters of names for newborns in Hindu families. Each rashi is represented by a figure and one of the five elements – Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether (Space). One ruling celestial body, known as its 'rashi lord' or 'ruler' is assigned to these rashis. These bodies include Venus, Mars, Sun, Moon, Mercury, Jupiter, and Saturn. Furthermore, the rashis are assigned various qualities or gunas.
Rashi (zodiac sign) | Kumbha (Aquarius) |
---|---|
Starting letters for Kumbha (Aquarius) rashi | G, S, SH |
Representation | Water-bearer |
Element | Air |
Ruling body | Saturn |
Quality | Fixed |
Birth Star (Nakshatra)
Another important aspect of Vedic Astrology is the nakshatras, the lunar constellations or star clusters that the Moon occupies during a person's birth. There are 27 nakshatras, each with its own unique qualities, attributes, and symbolism. Each rashi contains two-and-one-fourth nakshatras in it. For example, Aries contains Ashwini, Bharani, and Krithika nakshatras.
The below table provides information on the nakshatras’ degrees on the zodiac circle, their lords and related syllables, for babies born in the Kumbha (Aquarius) rashi. These syllables/phonetics are popularly used to choose the baby name. For precise nakshatra calculation based on your baby's birthplace and date, use our Nakshatra Calculator.
Nakshatra | Degrees Of The Nakshatra | Nakshatra Lord (Ruler) | Name Syllables |
---|---|---|---|
Dhanishta (Avittam) | Aquarius (0 to 6.40 degrees) | Mars | Ga, Gi, Gu, Ge, Gee |
Satabhisha (Shatabhisham, Chathayam) | Aquarius (6.40 to 20 degrees) | Rahu | Go, Sa, Saa, Si, Su, Soo, See, Gau |
Poorvabhadrapada (Purvabhadra, Pururuttathy) | Aquarius (20 to 30 degrees) | Jupiter | Se, So, Dha, Dhi, Di, Da, Daa, Dee |
Shem Personality Traits As Per Numerology
The numerology belief system envisages a relationship between a name and numbers. The related numbers are believed to give insights into a person’s character. We have researched this area to connect the numerology-based characteristic traits to the letters of the English alphabet. And the results are fascinating.
Numerology followers believe that each letter signifies attributes that can influence a person’s attitude and approach. Among these placements, the most significant are the first letter (Cornerstone) and the last letter (Capstone) of a name. Cornerstone highlights your primary personality traits and explains how you face challenges and opportunities in life. Capstone can tell you about your approach to work and how you complete them. Often, a letter may be repeated twice or more in a name. This repetition signifies the intensification or amplification of the traits associated with the letter in an individual’s personality.
Read to know what characteristics the name Shem is known for in numerology. Here we have avoided repetition of letters and added them just once for a better reading experience.
SYou are charming, charismatic, and emotional. You have a magnetic presence, but you can sometimes be pretty intense..
HYou may be suitable for financial, legal, and public work. However, a repetition of these letters more than seven times can indicate frivolity.
EYou may be suitable for financial, legal, and public work. However, a repetition of these letters more than seven times can indicate frivolity.
MYou are methodical and like to work in a traditional and conventional manner. You manage to achieve success most of the time.
Infographic: Know The Name Shem‘s Personality As Per Numerology
Shem In Different Languages
It’s exciting to see our baby’s name spelled and written in various languages. See how people spell Shem in Spanish, French, German, Italian, and more! Each language has its own way of saying Shem, but it’s still the same special name. Learn how the name looks and sounds in different languages around the world!
Name | Language | Code |
---|---|---|
Shem | English | en |
闪 | Chinese | zh-CN |
शेम | Hindi | hi |
Shem | Spanish | es |
Shem | French | fr |
شيم | Arabic | ar |
shem | Bengali | bn |
Shem | Portuguese | pt |
шем | Russian | ru |
شیم | Urdu | ur |
Shem | Indonesian | id |
Shem | German | de |
シェム | Japanese | ja |
शेम | Marathi | mr |
షేమ్ | Telugu | te |
Shem | Turkish | tr |
ஷெம் | Tamil | ta |
Shem | Vietnamese | vi |
Shem | Tagalog | tl |
셈 | Korean | ko |
Shem | Hausa | ha |
Shem | Swahili | sw |
Shem | Javanese | jv |
Shem | Italian | it |
shem | Punjabi | pa |
શેમ | Gujarati | gu |
เชม | Thai | th |
ಶೇಮ್ | Kannada | kn |
ሼም | Amharic | am |
शेम | Bhojpuri | bho |
Shem | Yoruba | yo |
Shem In Fancy Fonts
Visualize your little one’s name in different captivating fonts. You can use these fancy styles on birth announcement cards, nursery decorations, personalized gifts, to name a few. Select the perfect font from these options for a touch of personalization.
- Double Struck Font𝕊 𝕙 𝕖 𝕞
- Bold Script Font𝓢 𝓱 𝓮 𝓶
- Fancy Style 35 Fontš h ε m
- Fancy Style 7 FontŞ Ħ € Μ
- Love FontS♥ h♥ e♥ m♥
- Black Square Font🆂 🅷 🅴 🅼
- Hand Writing 2 FontS ԋ ҽ ɱ
- X Above Bellow FontS͓̽ h͓̽ e͓̽ m͓̽
Liked our fancy fonts for Shem? Why not go a step forward with these beautiful posters? They are perfect to download and use as display pictures or social media posts! You may also use them as part of decorating your child’s room. These personalized wallpapers celebrate the positive vibes of the name, offering a unique way to show how much this name means to you. What’s more! You have multiple options here to choose depending on your mood or occasion.
Shem 3D Wallpaper
Shem Birthday Wallpaper
‘I Love Shem’ Wallpaper
Stylish Shem Wallpaper
Shem Name Initial Wallpaper
How To Communicate The Name Shem In Sign Languages
In Nautical Flags
Shem
In Sign Language
Shem
In Braille Alphabet
Shem
In Morse Code
Shem
In Barcode
In Binary
01010011 01101000 01100101 01101101
Name Numerology For Shem
Numerology is an occult system that gives significance to numbers and their influence on human life and destiny. Numerologists attribute specific qualities, energies, and characteristics to a number. Parents who believe in numerology prefer to choose baby names that resonate positively with the child’s unique numerical vibrations, often derived from their date of birth. Here we give a general birth number and personality traits of the name Shem, based on the Pythagorean (Western) system. This analysis will differ from child to child based on their date of birth. You may use our numerology calculator for more personalized information.
Destiny Number
You are meant to bring beauty, charity, romance, and perfection to the world. You are destined to live a life of generosity, kindness, forgiveness, and compassion for ultimate happiness in life.
Personality Number
You are reliable and consistent. Others tend to trust you and feel most secure with you. Careful spender, concerned with the future, deeply patriotic and take up a prominent role in the society.
Soul Number
You are versatile, adaptable, and have a natural enthusiasm. Attracted towards fast-paced and unusual life. You always urge to travel distances and thrive on the variety of experiences.
Baby Name Lists Containing Shem
Read through our baby name lists that include the name Shem and several other similar names. The wider the choice, the better your selection. Isn't it?
- Baby Boy Names With Meanings›
- Baby Boy Names That Start With Letter S›
- English Baby Names With Meanings›
- English Baby Names Starting With Letter S›
- English Baby Boy Names, Starting With Letter S›
- Hebrew Baby Names With Meanings›
- Hebrew Baby Names Starting With Letter S›
- Hebrew Baby Boy Names, Starting With Letter S›
- Judaism Baby Names With Meanings›
- Judaism Baby Names Starting With Letter S›
- Judaism Baby Boy Names, Starting With Letter S›
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the meaning of the name Shem?
The name Shem means ‘name.’
2. What is the origin of the name Shem?
Shem is of Hebrew origin.
3. What are some middle names that go well with the name Shem?
Amichai (meaning my people are alive), Asher (meaning blessed), Baruch (meaning blessed), Eli (meaning my god), and Menahem (meaning comforter) are some middle names that go well with the name Shem. These Hebrew masculine names provide a sense of linguistic affinity and religious connotation.
4. What are some positive traits associated with individuals named Shem?
As per the numerology, the name Shem signifies generosity and kindheartedness. People with the name may bring happiness and beauty to people around them. Also, they are versatile as they can adapt to various life situations and challenges. However, remember that an individual named Shem may not possess these traits.
5. What are some potential nicknames for someone named Shem?
References
- Astrology, Hermes (2023); Astrology for Beginners.
https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370635414_Astrology_for_Beginners - Shirley Lawrence; The Secret Science of Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Numbers and Letters.
https://www.academia.edu/97492675/The_Secret_Science_of_Numerology_The_Hidden_Meaning_of_Numbers_and_Letters_Shirley_Lawrence&nav_from=a3c5c3fd-555f-4584-b66d-4a3c8023402e&rw_pos=0 - Britannica, The Editors of Encyclopaedia; “zodiac”; Encyclopedia Britannica.
https://www.britannica.com/topic/zodiac - P.V.R. Narasimha Rao; Vedic Astrology: An Integrated Approach.
https://www.vedicastrologer.org/articles/vedic_astro_textbook.pdf - Paulo Martins; A Concise History of Hindu Astrology and Indian Spirituality; Scholars Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences.
https://www.saspublishers.com/media/articles/SJAHSS_112_33-36_FT_MAEgJAB.pdf - International Phonetic Association.
https://www.internationalphoneticassociation.org/ - Adam Szczegielniak; Phonetics: The Sounds of Language; Harvard University.
https://scholar.harvard.edu/files/adam/files/phonetics.ppt.pdf - Lalita K. Wani et al; Review of Scientific Analysis Of Sacred Sound OM (AUM); Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (JETIR), Novermber 2020.
https://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2011207.pdf
Look Up For Many More Names
Do you have a name in mind and want to know more about it? Or want to find names belonging to a particular origin, religion, or having a specific meaning? Use our search tool below to explore more baby names with different combinations.
Phonemic Representation Of Shem
Phonemics is the study of a language’s distinctive sound units (phonemes), as standardized by the International Phonetics Association. When choosing a name for your baby, knowing its phonemic pronunciation gives an idea about the name’s sound pattern and auditory appeal. You can assess the name’s ease of pronunciation, memorability, and softness. Here is the phonemic transcription of Shem in American and British accents.
- In American English: /ʃɛm/
- In British English: /ʃɛm/
Pronunciation of names, in fact, any spoken word, involves the participation of various parts of the mouth, vocal cord, nose, and lungs. Underneath all the sounds we make is the airstream flowing from the lungs and moving up to the mouth. It’s incredible how lips, tongue, teeth, alveolar ridge, palate, glottis, and larynx work harmoniously to bring out the words. Studies have proved that positive sounds like OM (AUM) help maintain hormonal balance and mental health and reduce stress and anxiety. So, what parts does Shem trigger? Find the details here; the sound of Shem might bring in more positive vibes into your life!
Phoneme | Articulation |
---|---|
/ʃ/ | Raising the front part of the tongue to the palate. Severely obstructs the airflow and causes friction |
/ɛ/ | Tongue mid front, spread lips. Airflow is continuous |
/m/ | Bringing both lips together. Airflow stops for a fraction of a second |
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