What does Salimah mean and where does it come from?
The name Salimah (سليمة) is a feminine version of the male name Salim, which derives from Arabic roots meaning 'peace' or 'safety'. This name has been traditionally used among Arabic-speaking communities and holds cultural significance in Islamic traditions. It reflects attributes of peace and well-
Cultural significance
Salimah has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of peaceful, safe, unharmed.
Peak popularity
Reached #5509 in 1976 — currently #14863 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Salimah?
Salimah works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Salimah Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Salimah Rose
Floral · soft ending
Salimah Mae
Sweet · timeless
Salimah Claire
French influence · crisp
Salimah Jane
Literary · strong
Salimah Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Salimah right now?
Falling — down 1531 spots — currently #14863 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #14863 | 6 | ▼ down 1531 · -14% births |
| 2022 | #13332 | 7 | ▲ up 3917 · +40% births |
| 2021 | #17249 | 5 | ▼ down 3483 · -29% births |
| 2010 | #13766 | 7 | ▼ down 1650 · -12% births |
| 2005 | #12116 | 8 | ▼ down 1073 |
| 2000 | #11043 | 8 | ▼ down 115 · +14% births |
| 1995 | #10928 | 7 | ▲ up 2712 · +40% births |
| 1990 | #13640 | 5 | ▼ down 6474 · -44% births |
| 1980 | #7166 | 9 | — |
The story of Salimah
Salimah is a relatively modern name, first appearing in US records in 1969. With 258 total births recorded, Salimah remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #7166 in 1980, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #14863 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Salimah in 1976:
Salimah by decade
Salimah peaked in the 1970s. See all 1970s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1960s | 5 | |
| 1970s | 32 | |
| 1980s | 63 | |
| 1990s ★ | 70 | |
| 2000s | 46 | |
| 2010s | 42 | |
💎Salimah has only 258 total recorded births since 1969 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Salimah?
Famous people named Salimah
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Salimah (historical Arab ruler)
Salimah held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
S(
Salimah (Sufi mystic)
Salimah used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
S(
Salimah (Islamic scholar)
Salimah bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
S(
Salimah (Quranic figure)
Salimah appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Salimah?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Salimah also consider these
Common questions about the name Salimah
What does the name Salimah mean?
Salimah means "peaceful, safe, unharmed" — 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 Salimah?
Salimah is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Salimah have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Salimah?
Salimah 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 Salimah?
Salimah is a three-syllable name pronounced S AE1 L IH1 M AA1. 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 Salimah?
Salimah 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.