Selma sits next to 5 phonetic neighbors — Thelma, Velma, and Alma are the closest matches by sound. Most share Selma's Scandinavian cluster, so the rhythm and vowel shape carry across the list.
You searched for names like
"divine protection, helmet of the gods"
"Irish feminine form of Evan/John"
"from Lassy (Norman place name)"
"free woman, strong woman"
"headland, promontory, cape"
"noble, gracious"
"gift from God"
"meadow of oaks"
"light"
"flowing water, riverside"
"rain, divine blessing"
"grant, endowment"
"noble kind"
"prosperous, flourishing"
"gift of God (interpretive)"
"peace"
"youthful, soft-haired (from Julia/Julius)"
"modern elaboration of Jazz"
"faith, belief"
"life, living"
Similar sound: These names share phonetic patterns with Selma — similar vowel sounds, consonant clusters, or rhythm.
Shared roots: Several names on this list have Germanic/Norse origins, giving them the same cultural heritage as Selma.
Rhythm: Selma is a 2-syllable name. Names with the same syllable count tend to feel interchangeable when you're narrowing your list.