Solomon sits at rank 417 with 37,284 total American boys carrying the name, peaking in 2016 within the broader biblical-name revival of the 2010s. The trajectory has held remarkably steady since: this is a name that doesn't trend up and down so much as maintain its slot, anchored by religious tradition and a clean, weighty sound.
The Hebrew root
Solomon comes from Hebrew Shlomo, derived from shalom ("peace"), often interpreted as "peaceful" or "man of peace." The biblical King Solomon, son of David and Bathsheba, ruled the united Kingdom of Israel in the tenth century BCE and is remembered for his wisdom, the construction of the First Temple, and his authorship (by tradition) of Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon.
Notable American bearers include Solomon Northup, the free-born African American whose memoir Twelve Years a Slave (1853) became the basis for the Oscar-winning 2013 film. Solomon Burke, the soul singer; Solomon Hill, the basketball player; and Solomon Thomas, the NFL defensive lineman, give the name contemporary cultural reach across music and sports.
The biblical-classic register
Solomon fits alongside Ezekiel, Isaiah, and Elijah in the major biblical-revival cluster. The natural nickname Sol gives it everyday warmth, and the full Solomon reads as serious and dignified for formal contexts. Browse Hebrew names for related biblical options.
The counter-reading
The honest consideration with Solomon is the weight: a biblical king known for wisdom sets a high bar, and the name carries strong religious specificity that some families embrace and others want to soften. The Sol nickname helps with everyday register. Browse 2010s names for cohort context. Sibling pairings work well across biblical registers: Solomon and Naomi, Solomon and Esther, Solomon and Miriam.