Philippa vs Selma

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Philippa

Girl #2,636 Most Popular 3 Syllables

Meaning

"lover of horses, friend to horses"

Origin: Greek

Cultural Roots

English German Italian Greek Dutch

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,636
Total SSA Count
66
Syllables
3
Formality
Formal
Nicknames
Pippa, Phil, Pip

Playground Safety Score

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Selma

Girl #2,770 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"divine protection, helmet of the gods"

Origin: Germanic/Norse

Cultural Roots

Scandinavian German Arabic American Turkish

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#2,770
Total SSA Count
61
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Sel, Elma

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Selma →

Popularity Comparison

Philippa Rank #2,636
Selma Rank #2,770

Philippa is more popular, ranked #2636 vs #2770 for Selma.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Philippa ___

  • Philippa Rose
  • Philippa Anne
  • Philippa Jane
  • Philippa Catherine
  • Philippa Margaret
  • Philippa Louise

Selma ___

  • Selma Jane
  • Selma Rose
  • Selma Grace
  • Selma May
  • Selma Louise
  • Selma Ann

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Philippa

Georgiana Edmund Cecily Hugo Arabella

If you choose Selma

Alma Vera Helga Marta Nora

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Philippa or Selma more popular?

Philippa is more popular, ranked #2636 compared to Selma at #2770 in the United States.

What do Philippa and Selma mean?

Philippa means "lover of horses, friend to horses" (Greek origin). Selma means "divine protection, helmet of the gods" (Germanic/Norse origin).

Are Philippa and Selma boy or girl names?

Philippa is primarily a girl name. Selma is primarily a girl name.

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← Full profile: Philippa ← Full profile: Selma Browse all baby names