Solomon is a Hebrew name meaning “peaceful” (from Shlomo, related to shalom, “peace”). It’s most famously tied to King Solomon, the biblical ruler associated with wisdom and prosperity. For modern history, Solomon Northup (author of Twelve Years a Slave) gave the name a backbone of resilience.
What Does the Name Solomon Mean? **Solomon means “peaceful,”** rooted in the Hebrew concept of *shalom*—peace, wholeness, well-being. In everyday terms, the *Solomon baby name* carries a calm, steady vibe, but it also has “old-soul” weight that feels wise rather than trendy. Now that my kids are adults, I’ve watched how names don’t just *label* a person—they sometimes *invite* a person into a posture. “Peaceful” isn’t a guarantee of a quiet child (trust me 😅), but it can be a kind of north star. Looking back, I wish I’d known how often a name’s meaning becomes a family shorthand: the thing you say when you’re trying to call your kid back to themselves—“Hey. Be your name.” If you’re here because you typed **“what does Solomon mean”** at 2 a.m. with a baby-name list open, I get it. I remember those late-night searches like they were yesterday—equal parts hope and panic.
Introduction **Solomon is one of those names that sounds like it has always existed—and it has.** It doesn’t beg for attention, and it doesn’t apologize for being substantial. It’s the kind of name that can belong to a toddler with jelly hands and also a 45-year-old judge, jazz guitarist, pastor, professor, or linebacker. When my wife and I were naming our kids (they’re 24 and 21 now), I was obsessed with getting it “right.” I worried about playground teasing, resume bias, whether the name would feel dated, whether it would fit a shy kid or a loud kid. Looking back, I wish I’d known how much of that worry was just new-parent nerves trying to dress up as research. What actually mattered? - **Could we say it with love when we were tired?** - **Could we imagine it on an adult?** - **Did it have a story we’d be proud to hand our child?** Solomon checks those boxes in a way that feels almost unfair. It’s meaningful without being precious. Familiar without being overused. Strong without being harsh. And yes—people will shorten it to Sol, and that’s a nickname with serious charm.
Where Does the Name Solomon Come From? **Solomon comes from Hebrew,** from the name **Shlomo (שְׁלֹמֹה)**, connected to **shalom (שָׁלוֹם)** meaning peace, wholeness, and well-being. Over centuries it traveled through Greek and Latin into many European languages, keeping its core sound and gravitas. Here’s the longer trail, in plain English: - In the Hebrew Bible, **King Solomon** is *Shlomo*. The name is traditionally linked to *shalom*, and the “peace” idea is reinforced by the biblical narrative of Solomon’s reign being less war-driven than his father David’s. - As Jewish scriptures were translated, the name moved into **Greek** (in the Septuagint) and then **Latin** (in the Vulgate) as **Solomon**. - From there it spread through Christian Europe, and later into the broader English-speaking world. What I love about Solomon is that it didn’t arrive as a fad—it arrived as a **story**. Names like that tend to age well because they’re not pinned to one decade’s fashion. They’re anchored to something older. And let’s talk about sound for a second, because parents feel that too: **SOH-luh-muhn** has three soft beats, with that warm “o” at the start. It’s not sharp. It’s not breathy. It lands. If you’re weighing the *Solomon name meaning* and wondering if it’s “too heavy,” I’ll tell you what 25 years taught me: kids don’t carry the whole history at once. They grow into it. At 5, Solomon is just the kid learning to tie his shoes. At 15, he’s discovering who he is. At 30, he may be grateful his name sounds like it belongs in any room he walks into.
Who Are Famous Historical Figures Named Solomon? **The most notable historical Solomons include King Solomon, Solomon Northup, and Solomon R. Guggenheim**—a ruler associated with wisdom, a survivor-author who exposed American slavery, and a patron whose name became synonymous with modern art. Across history, “Solomon” tends to mark people who left a paper trail. #
King Solomon If you know one Solomon, it’s this one. In the Hebrew Bible, **King Solomon** is famed for wisdom—especially the story of the disputed baby and the proposed dividing of the child (1 Kings 3). He’s also linked to major building projects, including the First Temple in Jerusalem (traditionally attributed to his reign). Whether you approach that as faith, literature, or history, the cultural impact is undeniable. #
Solomon Northup **Solomon Northup** (1808–c. 1863) wrote *Twelve Years a Slave* (1853), a firsthand narrative of being kidnapped and sold into slavery despite being a free Black man in New York. If you want a namesake with moral force, Northup is it. His story later reached a massive audience through Steve McQueen’s 2013 film adaptation (*12 Years a Slave*), which won the Academy Award for Best Picture. #
Solomon R. Guggenheim **Solomon R. Guggenheim** (1861–1949) was an American businessman and art collector. His name lives on through the **Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation** and the **Guggenheim Museum** in New York—one of the most iconic modern art museums in the world, housed in Frank Lloyd Wright’s spiral building (opened in 1959). #
Other historical and cultural echoes You’ll also find Solomon as a recurring name among rabbis, scholars, and community leaders through centuries—partly because it signals wisdom and peace in a single package. That’s the thing about a name with deep roots: it keeps reappearing in serious places.
Which Celebrities Are Named Solomon? **Notable celebrities named Solomon include soul legend Solomon Burke and social psychology pioneer Solomon Asch; in pop culture, “Solomon” also shows up as a chosen name for celebrity children and characters, even when it isn’t a top-10 baby name.** The celebrity footprint is real, just not as tabloid-loud as some trendier names. #
Celebrities with the first name Solomon - **Solomon Burke** (1940–2010): A towering figure in soul and R&B, often called the “King of Rock ’n’ Soul.” If you’re the kind of parent who plays old music while making dinner, Burke is a strong association—big voice, big feeling. - **Solomon Asch** (1907–1996): Not a “celebrity” in the red-carpet sense, but absolutely famous—his conformity experiments are Psychology 101 staples. If your family values learning, that’s a pretty great namesake. - **Solomon Hill** (also an athlete—more below) has a public profile that crosses into celebrity territory thanks to the NBA spotlight. #
Celebrity babies named Solomon (the content gap people actually search) This is where I want to be careful and factual. The truth is: **“Solomon” appears more often as a celebrity baby name choice than as a constant headline**, and it’s sometimes used as a middle name. Because celebrity baby naming can be a game of telephone (one outlet repeats another), I always advise parents: if you’re choosing a name because a celebrity used it, confirm it through reliable interviews or official announcements. That said, the broader pattern is worth noting: celebrities often go either ultra-unique (made-up names) or timeless-biblical (Noah, Levi, Elijah). **Solomon sits in that second lane**—classic, recognizable, meaningful—without being as common as Noah. And honestly? Looking back, I’m glad my kids’ names weren’t “of the moment.” Trends can feel fun until they timestamp your child. Solomon doesn’t timestamp anybody.
What Athletes Are Named Solomon? **The best-known athletes named Solomon include NBA forward Solomon Hill, CFL linebacker Solomon Elimimian, and rugby player Solomon Haumono.** Across sports, it’s a name that sounds strong on a jersey and professional on a contract. Here are a few real standouts: #
Basketball: Solomon Hill - **Solomon Hill** (born 1991) played in the NBA and won an **NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2022**. He’s known as a role player—defense, toughness, doing the unglamorous work. As a dad, I’ve come to admire that kind of career: not everyone is the superstar, but the team still needs you. That’s adulthood, too. #
Canadian Football: Solomon Elimimian - **Solomon Elimimian** (born 1987) made a huge mark in the CFL. He was named the **CFL’s Most Outstanding Defensive Player in 2014** and became known as a tackling machine. If you want “peaceful” balanced with “can absolutely take you down in the open field,” this is your guy. #
Rugby: Solomon Haumono - **Solomon Haumono** (born 1967) is an Australian former rugby league player with a reputation for being formidable. Different era, different sport, but the name fits the physicality. #
Why this matters for parents Sports associations shape how a name *feels* in the culture. Solomon in athletics reads as: - **strong but not showy** - **serious but still approachable** - **memorable without being complicated** That’s a nice lane for a kid to grow into.
What Songs and Movies Feature the Name Solomon? **“Solomon” appears in music and film both as a title and a powerful reference—most famously through *12 Years a Slave* (Solomon Northup) and in songs like “Solomon” by Kate Bush.** It’s a name artists use when they want gravity. #
Movies / TV - *12 Years a Slave* (2013): The film follows **Solomon Northup**, and the name becomes synonymous with survival, dignity, and truth-telling. It’s not light viewing, but it’s important. - *Solomon Kane* (2009): A dark fantasy action film based on the Robert E. Howard character (more on him in the superhero/fiction section). If you’ve got older kids someday, this is one they might stumble upon. #
Songs A few real examples that put “Solomon” front and center: - **“Solomon” – Kate Bush** (from *The Red Shoes*, 1993): Kate Bush isn’t casual about references; when she names something, it’s deliberate. - **“Solomon” – M. Ward** (from *Transistor Radio*, 2005): Indie-folk, reflective tone—fits the name’s contemplative vibe. - **“Solomon” – Animals as Leaders** (instrumental, from *Weightless*, 2011): For the prog-metal crowd, it’s a striking title choice. And then there are the countless lyrical references to “Solomon” as a shorthand for wisdom (think “wisdom of Solomon”)—it pops up like a cultural wink. As a dad, I always liked names that could show up in art without feeling like a gimmick. Solomon can.
Are There Superheroes Named Solomon? **Yes—“Solomon” shows up in comics and heroic fiction, most notably as Solomon Kane, a classic pulp-era character who reads like a grim, wandering antihero.** It’s not a cape-and-tights mainstream superhero name, but it absolutely has “character energy.” #
Solomon Kane - Created by **Robert E. Howard** (the creator of Conan the Barbarian), **Solomon Kane** is a Puritan adventurer who fights evil in a morally intense, sometimes supernatural world. He’s been adapted into comics and film (*Solomon Kane*, 2009). - If you’re naming a baby and thinking ahead to the middle-school years—when kids start caring about “cool factor”—this is one of those associations that can make a classic name feel secretly badass. There are also fictional Solomons across games and anime-adjacent media, but Solomon Kane is the most established and verifiable “heroic” anchor.
What Is the Spiritual Meaning of Solomon? **Spiritually, Solomon is tied to peace, wisdom, discernment, and moral responsibility—thanks to the biblical King Solomon and the root connection to *shalom*.** If you like names with a “blessing” built in, Solomon has one. Here’s how people commonly frame it: #
Biblical and faith-based symbolism - **Wisdom:** Solomon is the archetype of wise judgment. People invoke “the wisdom of Solomon” as an ideal of clear thinking under pressure. - **Peace and wholeness:** Because of *shalom*, the name can feel like a prayer: not just “no conflict,” but a life that is integrated and well. #
Numerology (common modern approach) In Pythagorean numerology, names are converted to numbers. Depending on spelling and method, **Solomon often gets read with themes like leadership, responsibility, and introspection**. (If you’re into numerology, I recommend calculating using the exact spelling you’ll use—small changes can shift the number.) #
Astrology vibes (not science, but parents ask) Astrology folks often associate “Solomon” with **Saturnine** qualities—old-soul maturity, patience, structure—because the name feels traditional and weighty. Whether you believe in it or not, it matches the *felt sense* of the name. #
A dad’s spiritual take Looking back, I wish I’d known that the most spiritual thing about a name is how you speak it over your child. You can choose Solomon for “peaceful,” but the real magic is when you *practice peace in the house*. The name becomes a reminder for the whole family.
What Scientists Are Named Solomon? **One of the most famous research figures named Solomon is Solomon Asch, whose studies shaped modern social psychology; there are also prominent contemporary scientists like Susan Solomon in atmospheric science.** The name has a real footprint in scholarship and discovery. #
Solomon Asch (social psychology) Asch’s conformity experiments (1950s) demonstrated how group pressure can influence individuals to give obviously incorrect answers. It’s one of those findings that keeps showing up in real life—work meetings, teenage friend groups, even parenting choices. (Yes, parents conform too.) #
Susan Solomon (not “Solomon” as a first name, but an important scientist with Solomon as a surname) To keep this accurate: **Susan Solomon** is a major American atmospheric chemist whose work helped explain the Antarctic ozone hole. I’m including her because parents often ask about “scientists named Solomon,” and in science circles, her name is one of the most significant Solomons period. If you’re the kind of parent who hopes your child will feel at home in academic spaces, Solomon is a name that doesn’t feel out of place on a journal byline.
