Sahel is an Arabic and African name that translates to 'shore' or 'coast'. It's often used as both a masculine and feminine given name, particularly among Muslims due to its Islamic significance. In the Quran, Sahel refers to the shore of heaven where the righteous will reside eternally. This name has gained popularity worldwide, with notable bearers includingSahel "Chico" Slim, a Peruvian businessman of Lebanese descent, and Sahel Kazemi, an Iranian-American actress known for her role in the television series "The Bernie Mac Show". The name Sahel is often associated with nature and tranquility, reminiscent of the peaceful shores it represents.
The name Sahel experienced a steady increase in popularity from 2014 onwards, with the highest number of births recorded in 2023 at nine. Despite this growth, the annual birth count has not exceeded ten since 2002.