Šedem was attested in historical sources as Scheding in 1322, and as Schedeim and Schedun in 1342. Like related names such as Ščedem (German: Tschedram), Šedina, and Škedenj (Italian: Servola), the name Šedem developed from the present passive participle *ščędimъ 'being protected', probably in the sense of 'protected forest' (where cutting wood and hunting were not permitted).[4]