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Name meaning & originSalma سلمى

/SAHL-mah/

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Salma is an Arabic girl's name pronounced /SAHL-mah/. Salma is a beautiful name meaning peaceful, safe, and sound.

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Meaning of Salma

Salma is a beautiful name meaning peaceful, safe, and sound.

The name is derived from the Arabic root 's-l-m', which relates to peace, safety, and submission. It is the feminine form of the name Salm or related to the word 'Salam'. Historically, it has been a popular name in the Middle East and North Africa for centuries, symbolizing a woman who is secure and whole.

Origin
Arabic
Pronunciation
/SAHL-mah/

Cultural background

While deeply rooted in Islamic and Arabic-speaking cultures, the name gained significant international recognition in the late 20th century across the Americas and Europe.

Variations & nicknames

  • Selma
  • Salmah
  • Salimeh
  • Zelma
  • Salimata

Famous people named Salma

Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.

  • Salma Hayek

    Academy Award-nominated Mexican and American actress and producer

    Film · Modern

  • Princess Lalla Salma

    Princess consort of Morocco and the first wife of a Moroccan ruler to be publicly acknowledged

    Royalty · Modern

  • Salma Khadra Jayyusi

    Palestinian poet, writer, and translator

    Literature · 20th Century

  • Salma Kikwete

    Former First Lady of Tanzania and politician

    Politics · Modern

  • Salma Paralluelo

    Spanish professional footballer and former sprinter

    Sport · Modern

Frequently asked about Salma

Is Salma the same as Selma?
They are often considered variations of each other, though Selma also has separate Germanic and Celtic roots meaning 'God's helmet' or 'fair castle'.
What is the biblical equivalent of Salma?
While Salma is an Arabic name, it shares the same Semitic root as the Hebrew name Shelomith or the word Shalom, both meaning peace.
Is Salma a common name?
It is consistently popular in Arabic-speaking countries and has seen moderate, steady use in Spanish-speaking countries and the United States.

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