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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Related Reading
Arabic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →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
Most popular combo · classic
Sulema Rose
Floral · soft ending
Sulema Mae
Sweet · timeless
Sulema Claire
French influence · crisp
Sulema Jane
Literary · strong
Sulema Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Sulema right now?
Rising fast — up 1369 spots — currently #12049 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| 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 | — |
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:
Sulema by decade
| 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?
Famous people named Sulema
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Sulema (Quranic figure)
Sulema appears in the Quran or Hadith, giving this name deep Islamic spiritual significance.
S(
Sulema (Arab poet)
Sulema carried this name in the rich tradition of classical Arabic poetry.
S(
Sulema (historical Arab ruler)
Sulema held this name across the Umayyad or Abbasid Caliphates, spreading its use widely.
S(
Sulema (Sufi mystic)
Sulema used this name in the tradition of Islamic mysticism and spirituality.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Sulema?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Sulema also consider these
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.