What does Salima mean and where does it come from?
Salima is derived from the Arabic root 'سلم' (s-l-m), which relates to peace and safety. The name has been commonly used in various Arabic-speaking countries and among Muslim populations in South Asia. Salima also has connotations of being healthy and wholesome. Notable individuals with this name in
Cultural significance
Salima has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.
Peak popularity
Reached #3509 in 1976 — currently #6622 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Salima?
Salima works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Salima Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Salima Rose
Floral · soft ending
Salima Mae
Sweet · timeless
Salima Claire
French influence · crisp
Salima Jane
Literary · strong
Salima Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Salima right now?
Rising fast — up 2338 spots — currently #6622 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #6622 | 18 | ▲ up 2338 · +50% births |
| 2022 | #8960 | 12 | ▼ down 1001 · -14% births |
| 2021 | #7959 | 14 | ▲ up 1069 · +27% births |
| 2020 | #9028 | 11 | ▼ down 916 · -21% births |
| 2015 | #8112 | 14 | ▲ up 1253 · +17% births |
| 2010 | #9365 | 12 | ▼ down 1757 · -20% births |
| 2005 | #7608 | 15 | ▼ down 996 · -6% births |
| 2000 | #6612 | 16 | ▲ up 4307 · +129% births |
| 1995 | #10919 | 7 | ▼ down 3848 · -42% births |
| 1990 | #7071 | 12 | ▲ up 866 · +50% births |
| 1985 | #7937 | 8 | ▼ down 2493 · -38% births |
| 1980 | #5444 | 13 | ▲ up 913 · +44% births |
| 1975 | #6357 | 9 | ▲ up 2591 · +80% births |
| 1970 | #8948 | 5 | — |
The story of Salima
Salima is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 516 total births recorded, Salima remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #8948 in 1970 to #6622 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Salima in 1976:
Salima by decade
Salima peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 6 | |
| 1970s | 91 | |
| 1980s | 91 | |
| 1990s | 89 | |
| 2000s | 103 | |
| 2010s ★ | 125 | |
| 2020s | 11 | |
💎Salima has only 516 total recorded births since 1969 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Salima?
Famous people named Salima
S(
Salima (Sufi mystic)
Salima used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
S(
Salima (Quranic figure)
Salima appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
S(
Salima (Arab poet)
Salima carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
S(
Salima (historical Arab ruler)
Salima held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Salima?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Salima also consider these
How is Salima written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Salima?
Common questions about the name Salima
What does the name Salima mean?
Salima means "Arabic" — a name rooted in Arabic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Salima?
Salima is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Salima have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Salima?
Salima originates from Arabic tradition. Arabic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Salima?
Salima is a three-syllable name pronounced S AA1 L AY1 M AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
What sibling names go well with Salima?
Salima pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Arabic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.