Saleh

Saleh is an alternate transcription of Arabic صالح (see Salih), as well as the usual Indonesian and Azerbaijani form of the name. It is a masculine given name derived from the Arabic root ṣalaḥa meaning “to be good, to be proper,” conveying the sense of “virtuous” or “pious.”

Etymology and Religious Significance

In the Islamic tradition, Ṣāliḥ is recognized as a prophet sent to the tribes of Thamud. According to the Quran (e.g., Surah Hud 11:61–68), his story involves the miraculous she-camel as a sign and the subsequent destruction of the disobedient. Borne by persons across the Muslim world, Saleh carries connotations of righteousness and moral uprightness. The name also appears in a biblical context as Shelah or Selah , though the Arabic and Islamic perception is distinct.

Usage and Variants

Saleh serves as the standard spelling in Indonesia and Azerbaijan, where Latin script is used. It also occurs as a family name. Variant forms include the underlying Salih (Turkish, Arabic), Salihu in Hausa, and feminine forms Salha and Saliha.

Notable Bearers

• Saleh al-Arouri (1966–2024), senior Hamas leader.
• Saleh Bakri (born 1977), Palestinian film and theater actor.
• Saleh Abdelaziz Al-Haddad (born 1986), Kuwaiti long jumper.
• Saleh al-Jafarawi (1997–2025), Palestinian journalist and influencer.
• Salleh Kalbi (1964–2025), Malaysian politician.
• Saleh and Daoud Al-Kuwaity (1908–1986), Iraqi-Jewish musicians.
• Saleh al-Luhaydan (1932–2022), Saudi cleric.
• Saleh Mohammadi (2007–2026), Iranian wrestler whose execution was widely condemned.
• Saleh al-Mutlaq (born 1947), Iraqi politician.
• Saleh Abdul Aziz Al Rajhi (1921–2011), Saudi business magnate.
• Saleh Shahin (born 1982), Israeli Paralympic rower.

Key Facts

• Meaning: Virtuous, righteous
• Origin: Arabic Ṣāliḥ
• Type: Given name and surname
• Usage: Arabic, Azerbaijani, Indonesian, commonly Muslim