What does Selma mean and where does it come from?
Selma is of Arabic origin, derived from 'سلمى', which means 'peace' or 'safe'. It became popular in English-speaking countries in the 19th century, often associated with various literary characters. Notable individuals include the American civil rights activist Selma James.
Cultural significance
Selma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of safe.
Peak popularity
Reached #163 in 1891 — currently #2810 in the US.
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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Selma?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Selma?
Selma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Selma Leah
One syllable · timeless choice
Selma Quinn
One syllable · timeless choice
Selma Blair
One syllable · on the rise
Selma Ruth
One syllable · timeless choice
Selma Wren
One syllable · vintage charm
Selma Faith
One syllable · vintage charm
How popular is Selma right now?
Declining — down 16 spots — currently #2810 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2025 | #2810 | 61 | ▼ down 16 |
| 2024 | #2794 | 61 | ▼ down 2219 · -96% births |
| 2023 | #575 | 1,625 | ▲ up 5 · +1% births |
| 2022 | #580 | 1,605 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #585 | 1,575 | ▲ up 1615 · +1844% births |
| 2020 | #2200 | 81 | ▼ down 50 · -8% births |
| 2015 | #2150 | 88 | ▲ up 85 · +2% births |
| 2010 | #2235 | 86 | ▼ down 545 · -26% births |
| 2005 | #1690 | 117 | ▲ up 345 · +44% births |
| 2000 | #2035 | 81 | ▲ up 1387 · +153% births |
| 1995 | #3422 | 32 | ▼ down 263 · -9% births |
| 1990 | #3159 | 35 | ▲ up 2869 · +218% births |
| 1985 | #6028 | 11 | ▼ down 2711 · -56% births |
| 1980 | #3317 | 25 | ▼ down 159 · +14% births |
| 1975 | #3158 | 22 | — |
The story of Selma
Selma has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 26,875 babies have received this name. Once ranked #259 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #575 in 2023. Selma is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.
Names that peaked alongside Selma in 1891:
Selma by decade
Selma peaked in the 1890s. See all 1890s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 808 | |
| 1890s | 2,067 | |
| 1900s | 2,407 | |
| 1910s | 5,863 | |
| 1920s ★ | 6,851 | |
| 1930s | 2,949 | |
| 1940s | 1,369 | |
| 1950s | 1,084 | |
| 1960s | 687 | |
| 1970s | 252 | |
| 1980s | 224 | |
| 1990s | 398 | |
| 2000s | 956 | |
| 2010s | 879 | |
| 2020s | 203 | |
What are good nicknames for Selma?
Famous people named Selma
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Selma (Arab poet)
Selma carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
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Selma (Quranic figure)
Selma appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
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Selma (Sufi mystic)
Selma used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
S(
Selma (Islamic scholar)
Selma bore this name in the Golden Age of Islam, when Arabic names carried prestige across the known world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2025
Explore →What names sound and feel like Selma?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Selma also consider these
How is Selma written in other languages?
Common questions about the name Selma
What does the name Selma mean?
Selma means "safe" — 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 Selma?
Selma is currently ranked #575 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Selma?
Selma 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 Selma?
Selma is a two-syllable name pronounced SELM-uh. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Selma more of a girl or boy name?
Selma is a genuinely unisex name used for both boys and girls. The unisex quality makes it particularly versatile for modern families.