Sulema

“Sulema is a feminine name derived from Arabic origins” — Associated with wisdom

Arabic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#12049US 2023

8Births / yr

↑Rising

2kAll-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Sulema

SUHL·EE·muh

/ˈsəl.ˈiː.mə/ · stress on SUHL · 3 syllables

“Sulema is a feminine name derived from Arabic origins”

Associated with wisdom · Arabic origin

What does Sulema mean and where does it come from?

Sulema is a feminine name derived from Arabic origins. It has seen usage in Arabic-speaking countries and among the Spanish-speaking population, where it often represents peace and tranquility. The name is a variant of Suleiman, which has biblical connotations and is sometimes associated with wisdom

Cultural significance

Sulema has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Arabic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of arabic.

Peak popularity

Reached #1806 in 1952 — currently #12049 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Sulema?

Sulema works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Sulema Grace

How popular is Sulema right now?

Rising fast — up 1369 spots — currently #12049 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#12049 · Top 8.9%

1960

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#12049	8	▲ up 1369 · +14% births
2022	#13418	7	▼ down 3942 · -36% births
2021	#9476	11	▼ down 1836 · -27% births
2015	#7640	15	▼ down 88 · -6% births
2010	#7552	16	▼ down 2422 · -36% births
2005	#5130	25	▼ down 457
2000	#4673	25	▼ down 547
1995	#4126	25	▼ down 888 · -26% births
1990	#3238	34	▲ up 514 · +55% births
1985	#3752	22	▼ down 597 · -19% births
1980	#3155	27	▲ up 392 · +42% births
1975	#3547	19	▲ up 373 · +27% births
1970	#3920	15	▼ down 466 · +7% births
1965	#3454	14	▼ down 903 · -39% births
1960	#2551	23	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Sulema

Best Year1940Rank #2100

Peak Count34

Average Rank#4793

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1920 - 202323 years

The story of Sulema

Sulema entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 1,976 total births recorded, Sulema remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #3890 in 1920, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #12049 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Sulema in 1952:

Linda Mary Patricia Deborah Susan

Sulema by decade

Sulema peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	18
1920s	79
1930s	111
1940s	201
1950s	211
1960s	219
1970s	218
1980s	216
1990s ★	360
2000s	237
2010s	106

💎With 1,976 total births, Sulema is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Sulema?

Common

SulSulieSulyEma

Famous people named Sulema

Sulema (Quranic figure)

Sulema appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.

Sulema (Arab poet)

Sulema carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.

Sulema (historical Arab ruler)

Sulema held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.

Sulema (Sufi mystic)

Sulema used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.

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What names sound and feel like Sulema?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sulema also consider these

Arabic · Safe, peaceful

Arabic · حياة (hayat), meaning

Salema

Spanish · A variant of

Selema

East Africa · peace

Common questions about the name Sulema

What does the name Sulema mean?

Sulema 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 Sulema?

Sulema is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Sulema have increased significantly in recent years.

What is the cultural origin of Sulema?

Sulema 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 Sulema?

Sulema is a three-syllable name pronounced S AH1 L IY1 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 Sulema?

Sulema 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.