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Salih

Boy name · 4 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Salih: 4 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to boys, peaking at 4 births in 2025.

Salih is an Arabic name meaning 'virtuous' or 'pious', derived from the root ṣ-l-ḥ, which conveys righteousness and integrity. In Islamic tradition, Prophet Salih is a revered figure sent to the Thamud people, mentioned in the Quran. Among famous bearers is Salih ibn Mirdas, founder of the Mirdasid dynasty in 11th-century Syria, and Salih Khass Hajji, a 14th-century ruler of the Golden Horde. Though less prominent in Scotland, the name shares its root with the common Scottish surname Sale, which can derive from the Old English 'sæl' for a hall or dwelling. A fascinating variant is Salihah, the feminine form, which is occasionally used in Scotland among families with Middle Eastern heritage, adding a layer of cultural richness to the name's history.