baby name Salem-am I crazy?

[Anonymous]

My brother is really excited to be an uncle which is great but this also means he is sending me non-stop suggestions for baby names.
99% I veto in second. However today he suggest the name "Salem" (pro Say-lem). For some reason I don't hate it. Its different without being difficult. It means "peace" and is a version of Shalom. I also come Winston Salem NC. I don't even know if its more appropriate for a girl or a boy. I may be hormonal so please let me know if I am crazy to all of a sudden have this on my short list!!

[Anonymous]

If you like it, that is what is important. Though, I immediately think of it as an arabic name or associated with the Salem Witch Trials. First two things that come to mind. I would use it more for a middle name.

[Anonymous]

It sounds like a made up name, which I'm not a fan of, although some people like that.

I also thought of the Salem witch trials.

[Anonymous]

I like the sound but the witch jokes will never stop.

Selma?

[Anonymous]

Ugly- reminds me of the Salem Witch Trials. Don't do that to your kid.

[Anonymous]

Yes, you are hormonal and crazy Cross this one off and keep looking.

[Anonymous]

If you're from Winston what about Reynolds? Or Winston itself? Salem isn't a name.

[Anonymous]

It instantly makes me think of Salem witch trials and Salem the cat from Sabrina the Teenage Witch.

to PP: Winston? Isn't that a cigarette? Who wants to call after a 3 year old Winston? That's a grandpa name.

[Anonymous]

Witch Trials. How about Salome?

[Anonymous]

Sounds like a daytime soap name

[Anonymous]

Salem reminds me of the witch trials. Wouldn't name a child like that.

[Anonymous]

I agree: don't pick a name that's uniquely associated with a historical even you'd rather forget. Wouldn't name a kid Hiroshima, would you?

[Anonymous]

Love it for either boy or girl!

[Anonymous]

I do sorta like it, but my mind does instantly fly to "Salem, MA" and not Winston-Salem, and it does carry along the baggage of the Puritans/witch trials, etc. I think that is what most people will think -- not Winston-Salem. If you are okay with this, go for it. As I said, I do sorta like it. I can see a cute little boy named "Salem" running around. . .

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I agree: don't pick a name that's uniquely associated with a historical even you'd rather forget. Wouldn't name a kid Hiroshima, would you?