Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Solomon

Solomon is a Biblical name, from the Hebrew Shlomo which is a derivative of “shalom” meaning ‘peace’. Solomon was borne from the Bible as the third King of Israel, after Saul and David. Solomon was the product of an adulterous relationship between David and Bathsheba (who eventually became David’s 8th and most favored wife). In 2 Samuel 12:24 Solomon is born and we are told that “the Lord loved him” so the prophet Nathan calls the child “Jedidiah” (which means ‘beloved of Yahweh’). Solomon was declared king by David at his death bed (circa 970 BC) and in 1 Kings 3:5 God appeared to Solomon in a dream and asked the king what he wishes for. Solomon humbly asks God for wisdom: “an understanding mind so that I may govern your people and discern between good and evil.” The Lord is so impressed with Solomon’s selfless request that He also bestows upon the king a long life, riches and power along with wisdom. This wisdom is immediately thereafter illustrated by the parable of King Solomon, the two prostitutes and a baby (1 Kings 3:16-28). Two prostitutes carrying a baby come before King Solomon and ask him to solve their dilemma. Each claims that the baby is hers. Solomon suggests they divide the baby in two so that the women can each have a half. One woman agrees; the other says “…give her the living child, and by no means put him to death.” Solomon declared that woman the mother since she was putting the safety of the baby first, as a true mother would do. And so the people of Israel stood in awe of Solomon, knowing he was a wise and just king. Solomon’s long reign was marked by economic prosperity, international relations and, most importantly, the building of a Temple in Jerusalem. As a prominent King of Israel, Solomon has been a name of particular importance among the Jews, but it was also adopted by nonconformist Christians several centuries ago.

All About the Baby Name – Solomon

Personality

OF THE BOY NAME SOLOMON

The number Four personality is marked by stability and discipline. This is the personality that follows the rules and is conservative by nature.  They have an earth-bound energy that prefers to build things methodically on top of firm foundations; they don't cut corners. Fours take their time and don't like to be hurried. But the outcome of their endeavors is likely to result in some strong and useful structure, which makes them great engineers and inventors. Fours are anything but frivolous or controversial. This is a trustworthy, straight-forward personality that embodies dedication and organization. They are the backbone and anchor in their relationships, careers and communities. They are tidy, punctual, and full of integrity. Hard-work comes naturally to a Four and they are immensely reliable. This is the personality you can always count on.

Popularity

OF THE BOY NAME SOLOMON

The name Solomon has been in use in America since the time of colonization. However, we only have data that dates back to the late 19th century. At the turn of the 20th century, Solomon was a name used fairly moderately. As the decades progressed, the name would dwindle in usage and reach its low point of popularity in the 1960s. Solomon has always maintained a position on the charts, and so has had a consistent place within the naming practices of the United Sates, even if that place has been at low to moderate levels. Solomon is a familiar name to Jews and Christians alike given his prominence in the Bible (specifically 1 Kings and the Song of Solomon which celebrates the romantic love between man and woman). Solomon is a handsome, kingly name. It’s exotic and not heavily used, but the name’s etymology (‘peace’) has a really nice meaning. And thanks to King Solomon himself, the name is also synonymous with wisdom.

Quick Facts

ON SOLOMON

GENDER:

Boy

ORIGIN:

Hebrew

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

3

RANKING POPULARITY:

424

PRONUNCIATION:

SAHL-ə-mən

SIMPLE MEANING:

Peace

Characteristics

OF SOLOMON

Dependable

Solid

Practical

Hard-working

Industrious

Studious

Conservative

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Solomon

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SOLOMON

Ruth Dead is a character in Toni Morrison’s 1977 bestseller, Song of Solomon. Ruth is the mother of the protagonist, Macon “Milkman” Dead III, a young African American man. Ruth was the daughter of the town’s only black physician, whom she loved to excess and for whom she endlessly mourns. Trapped in a loveless marriage to a man who is emotionally abusive to her, and supported largely by her husband’s indomitable sister, Pilate, it may be argued that Ruth is a rather ineffectual cipher of a woman. This is a woman, however, who stands up to that abusive husband when he tries to force her to abort the child who will become her beloved son. In her own quiet way, she goes about her life honoring exactly what is precious to her against all odds.

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SOLOMON

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Solomon


Popular Songs

ON SOLOMON

The Song of Solomon
a song by Kate Bush

Song of Solomon
a song by Steve Kilbey

Solomon Jones
a song by Aceyalone [explicit]

Solomon
a song by Few Left Standing

Famous People

NAMED SOLOMON

Solomon of Montpellier (13th century Rabbi)
Solomon (British pianist)
Solomon, King of Hungary (11th century king of Hungary)
Solomon I of Imereti (18th century King of Imereti, western Georgia)
Solomon II of Imereti (King of Imereti)
Solomon Busendich (Kenyan long distance runner)
Solomon (rap musician)
Solomon kaDinuzulu (former king of the Zulu nation)
Solomon Bates (football player)
Solomon Jones (basketball)
Solomon Burke (singer/songwriter)
Solomon Linda (musician)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SOLOMON

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Solomon

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SOLOMON

We gave you the main points on Solomon above. He was Israel’s third king; the son of David; loved by God; given power, wealth and wisdom; reigned during the “Golden Age” of Israel; built Jerusalem’s first Temple; yadda yadda, yadda. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for King Solomon. He had 700 wives and princesses and 300 mistresses. That’s 1,000 women he loved (no wonder the ‘Song of Song’s’ was written either for him or by him). As God suspected would happen, many of Solomon’s foreign wives and concubines influenced him with the ways of their own pagan religious beliefs. Eventually, Solomon turned away from God, but because God loved Solomon’s father David so much, He let Solomon finish his 40 year reign and die honorably without punishment. Still, some of Solomon’s political policies had some not-so-great consequences. He alienated the Northern Tribes through forced labor and heavy taxation; he diminished some of their religious influence; and he sells some of their towns to the Phoenician king. This all would set the stage for the subsequent division of Israel when the northern tribes secede from the union.