Choosing a name for your child is a significant and sometimes challenging decision. Some parents decide early on, while others take their time, weighing options until they find the perfect fit. Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong way—as long as you’re happy with your choice.
However, one mother recently opened up about regretting the name she chose for her daughter. Sharing her story on Reddit, she revealed that she was only 16 when she named her daughter Salem. Reflecting now, she feels that making this decision so young led to a name she no longer feels suits her child.
At the time, she thought Salem was a “cool” name. But as an adult, she associates it with the dark history of the Salem witch trials, feeling the name doesn’t match her daughter’s sweet personality. The mother wrote: “My daughter was born when I was 16 and I named her Salem. My mum warned me it wasn’t a good name, but as a pregnant teenager, I wasn’t going to listen. Now she’s 10 and I regret it. Salem would be cute for a black cat, but she’s not that. She’s a little girl with a very sweet personality, and Salem just doesn’t fit her.”
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Despite her mixed feelings about the name, she emphasized that she doesn’t regret having her daughter and wouldn’t change that for the world. She clarified in an update that her daughter remains unaware of her feelings, and she has no plans to change the name due to her daughter’s age and the potential confusion such a change could cause.
The mother also explained she disliked the name because of its connection to the Salem witch trials—a tragic part of history where many innocent lives were lost. “I didn’t think about that when I was 16,” she admitted.
Responses to her post were largely supportive, reminding her that Salem is a legitimate name beyond its historical associations. Some suggested using nicknames like Sally or Em as alternatives if she wanted to soften the name’s impact.
One commenter said: “I really like it. I wouldn’t suggest telling her you don’t like it at this sensitive age. It’s better to teach her self-acceptance now.” Another added: “Salem isn’t a bad name. Have you asked your daughter how she feels about it? She can go by Em, Emmy, or Ally for short.”
Another reply shared deeper insight: “Salem is of Arabic and Hebrew origin, meaning ‘peaceful,’ ‘complete,’ or ‘perfect.’ It’s also linked to the ancient city of Jerusalem in biblical texts. Many colonial towns in the US were named after biblical places or virtues—Providence, Concord, Bethlehem, and so on. Remember, Salem had a positive meaning when the town was named, despite the tragic events later associated with it. Also, there’s a Salem in North Carolina with no ties to witch trials.”
In the end, naming a child is deeply personal and can carry complex feelings over time. While this mother’s view of Salem has changed, her love for her daughter remains constant.