Shem: meaning of the Hebrew name
שֵׁם
Pronounced SHEM
Meaning of Shem
Shem was the son of Noah, from whom the Semitic peoples descend. The word also means name and reputation, as in "a good name is better than fine oil."
And Noah begot three sons, Shem, Ham, and Japheth.
וַיּוֹלֶד נֹחַ שְׁלֹשָׁה בָנִים אֶת־שֵׁם אֶת־חָם וְאֶת־יָפֶת׃
Shem in Hebrew
Shem is written שם in Hebrew (with vowel points: שֵׁם). Hebrew is read from right to left.
- שShin
- מMem
Gematria value: 340 (Shin 300 + Mem 40)
About the name
- GenderBoy
- OriginBiblical
- Meaningname
- PronunciationSHEM
- Hebrewשם
- Syllables1
Popularity in Israel
Shem was not among the 150 most common boys' or girls' names in Israel in the CBS data for 2014-2024.
Source: Israel Central Bureau of Statistics (CBS), first names given to Jewish newborns, 2014-2024. Ranks cover the 150 most common names per year.
Similar names
Questions about Shem
What does the name Shem mean?
Shem was the son of Noah, from whom the Semitic peoples descend. The word also means name and reputation, as in "a good name is better than fine oil."
How do you pronounce Shem?
Shem is pronounced SHEM in modern Israeli Hebrew. The syllable in capital letters is stressed.
How do you write Shem in Hebrew?
Shem is written שם in Hebrew (with vowel points: שֵׁם).
Is Shem a biblical name?
Yes. Shem appears in the Hebrew Bible, in Genesis 6:10.
What is the gematria of Shem?
In gematria, the Hebrew spelling שם adds up to 340 (Shin 300 + Mem 40).
Keep your shortlist in the Shemot app
Meaning, gematria and Israeli popularity for 2,300+ names, and a shared list for couples.
The app's screens and name meanings are in Hebrew. Every name also shows its English spelling.
Get the appGet the app
This name in Hebrew: שם
