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    Selma

    Also spelled: Salma

    سلمى(Salma)

    Pronunciation: SEL-mə

    ♀ Female
    Arabic, Old Norse
    Appears in:⏳Vintage Names

    Meaning

    Safe, peaceful, perfect, unharmed

    Origin

    Arabic

    The Story Behind Selma

    The name Selma has a dual origin. In Arabic, it is a variant of Salma, meaning 'safe,' 'peaceful,' or 'unharmed.' This Arabic root is ancient and has been used for centuries in various forms across the Middle East and North Africa. The name conveys a sense of tranquility and well-being.

    Separately, Selma also has a Scandinavian connection, though its etymology there is less clear. It is sometimes associated with the Old Norse elements 'salr' (hall) and 'heimr' (home), or possibly derived from Anselma, meaning 'divine helmet' or 'divine protection.' Its popularity in Scandinavia was boosted by literary works, notably by Ossian's poems (published in the 18th century), which featured a character named Selma, the queen of a mythical kingdom. This literary influence helped establish it as a distinct name in the Nordic region.

    Popularity & Trends

    Rarity:
    Uncommon
    Trend:Stable
    Era:Medieval, Contemporary
    Popular in:Sweden, Norway, Turkey, Bosnia and Herzegovina

    Popularity Trends

    Is Selma Right for Your Baby?

    Selma is a Soft, Elegant, Classic name for girls that suits parents looking for something with character. It works well internationally and is easy to recognise across cultures. Most people will pronounce it correctly on the first try.

    Syllables2
    LengthMedium
    International UseGlobal
    PronunciationEasy

    Regions Where Selma Is Used

    Middle East
    North Africa
    Scandinavian
    Nordic

    Name Vibe

    Soft
    Elegant
    Classic

    Famous People Named Selma

    • Selma Lagerlöf, Swedish author and Nobel laureate
    • Selma Blair, American actress
    • Selma Ergeç, Turkish-German actress
    • Selma Diamond, American actress and comedian

    Nicknames & Short Forms

    Sal
    Elma

    Selma in different fonts

    SelmaDancing Script
    SelmaCaveat
    SelmaSatisfy
    SelmaPacifico
    SelmaGreat Vibes

    Spelling Variants

    These names are alternative spellings or variants of Selma:

    Names Similar to Selma

    Names with a similar meaning or feel:

    Sibling Name Style

    If you like Selma, you might also like names with these styles:

    Classic
    Soft and elegant

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    Frequently Asked Questions About Selma

    What does Selma mean?

    Selma means "Safe, peaceful, perfect, unharmed". It is derived from Arabic.

    What is the origin of Selma?

    Selma originates from Arabic, Old Norse. Its cultural origin is Arabic.

    Is Selma a male or female name?

    Selma is a female name.

    How do you pronounce Selma?

    Selma is pronounced "SEL-mə".

    What language does Selma come from?

    Selma comes from Arabic, Old Norse.

    Is Selma a popular name?

    Selma is considered a uncommon name, and its popularity trend is stable.

    What are variants of Selma?

    Variants of Selma include Salma.

    What are nicknames for Selma?

    Common nicknames for Selma include Sal, Elma.

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