Salihu
Salihu is a Muslim boy name meaning “Righteous, virtuous”.
| Meaning | Righteous, virtuous |
|---|---|
| Gender | Boy |
| Origin | Arabic, Hausa form |
| Arabic spelling | صالح |
| Pronunciation | SAA-lee-hoo |
| Arabic root | ص ل ح (ṣ-l-ḥ) — to be good, righteous |
| Muslim name? | Islamic / Arabic name |
Meaning and origin of Salihu
Salihu is based on the Arabic Ṣāliḥ (صالح), from the root ṣ-l-ḥ, which is connected with goodness, soundness and setting things right. A ṣāliḥ person is righteous and does good deeds, so the name is translated as 'righteous', 'virtuous' or 'good'. The Quran often pairs faith with al-ʿamal al-ṣāliḥ, 'righteous deeds', and the related word ṣāliḥūn is used for the righteous, so the name carries a clear moral ideal.
The name also honours the prophet Ṣāliḥ, who the Quran says was sent to the people of Thamūd. In Hausa, spoken across northern Nigeria and Niger, a final '-u' is regularly added to Arabic names that end in a consonant, so Ṣāliḥ becomes Salihu, in the same pattern as Musa, Haruna and Abdullahi. The name is very common among Hausa and Fulani Muslims, both as a first name and as a surname, and the shortened Sale is also heard. Elsewhere it appears as Saleh in much of the Arab world and Indonesia, and as Salih in Turkey and South Asia. Pronunciation is SAA-lee-hoo. The feminine is Saliha.
Is Salihu a Muslim name?
Yes. Salihu is the Hausa form of the Quranic prophet's name Salih and is a Muslim name.
Is Salihu in the Quran?
The Quran says: 'And to Thamūd [We sent] their brother Ṣāliḥ' (Quran 7:73).
Where is the name Salihu used?
Very common among Hausa and Fulani Muslims in northern Nigeria and Niger.
Gifts with the name Salihu
- Salihu name necklaces & bracelets (Amazon)
- Personalised Salihu baby gifts (Amazon)
- Islamic baby gifts & books (Amazon)
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Spellings and variants of Salihu
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More boy names like Salihu
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Salihu mean?
Salihu means 'Righteous, virtuous'. It comes from Arabic, Hausa form.
Is Salihu a Muslim name?
Yes. Salihu is the Hausa form of the Quranic prophet's name Salih and is a Muslim name.
How do you write Salihu in Arabic?
Salihu is written صالح in Arabic script.
How do you pronounce Salihu?
Salihu is pronounced SAA-lee-hoo.
Is Salihu mentioned in the Quran?
The Quran says: 'And to Thamūd [We sent] their brother Ṣāliḥ' (Quran 7:73).
What is the female version of Salihu?
The feminine form is Saliha (صالحة), meaning 'righteous'.
Is Salihu the name of a prophet?
Yes. It is the Hausa form of Salih, the prophet the Quran says was sent to the people of Thamud.