Salihah
Salihah is an African gender-neutral name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well.
Did you know?
- Hidden namesLook closely: Salihah has the name Ali hiding inside it.
- Scrabble scoreIf names were allowed in Scrabble, Salihah would score 13 points, thanks largely to the H (worth 4).
- GenerationSalihah peaked in 1984, which makes it a Millennial name. The typical Salihah you'd meet today is about 41 years old.
- HistorySalihah first shows up in US birth records in 1984, the first year at least 5 babies got it. It has been in use for 41 years since.
US births per million girls, 1984–2025
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Popularity: U.S. Social Security Administration (babies with 5+ births per year).
About the name Salihah
Salihah is a gender-neutral name of African origin. With 3 syllables it has a flowing, lyrical sound, so a short middle name balances it nicely. It hit its peak in the 1980s, so it feels familiar without being trendy. It's rarely heard today, so it stands out while still being a real, established name. It works for a boy or a girl, which suits parents who'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
Origin:African names
More African names
- Girl name: Layla · night
- Unisex name: Zuri · beautiful
- Girl name: Aisha · alive
- Unisex name: Cairo · the victorious
- Unisex name: Asa · healer
- Unisex name: Zaire · river
- Girl name: Amber · amber resin
- Girl name: Zahra · radiant, bright
Questions about the name Salihah
What is the origin of the name Salihah?
Salihah is African in origin. Other African names to consider are Layla (“night”), Zuri (“beautiful”), Aisha (“alive”) and Cairo (“the victorious”).
Is Salihah a boy or girl name?
Both. Salihah is a true gender-neutral name used for boys and girls. That balance makes it a good pick if you'd like a name that doesn't signal gender.
How popular is the name Salihah?
Salihah is rare: fewer than 5 US girls got it in 2025, and it was last given to 5 or more in 2011. It peaked at #10,422 in 1984, so it's a name with history that few kids share today.
What should I know before naming my baby Salihah?
Salihah is an African gender-neutral name. It sounds flowing and melodic, it's simple to spell and say, and it pairs well with a short middle name. It suits a boy or a girl equally well. Say it out loud with your last name and any middle names you're considering, and check the initials it makes.