"safe, sound, healthy"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Salima
Does Salima flow with your last name?
An Arabic gem meaning peace and wholeness
Arabic
Swahili
Turkish
African
Elegant
Spiritual
Earthy
Traditional
Strong
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Meaning & Origin
"peace, wholeness"
Origin: Semitic root S-L-M
Language: Swahili
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The Story of Salima
Salima is a feminine form of the Arabic root 'S-L-M' (salam), the same root that gives us 'Islam' (submission to peace) and 'salaam' (peace). The name means safe, healthy, or peaceful, and carries deep spiritual resonance across the Muslim world. It has been used in Arabic-speaking countries and across Swahili-speaking East Africa for centuries, where it remains a beloved traditional name.
Salima has maintained steady popularity in North and East Africa, the Arab world, and among Muslim communities globally. It gained some international exposure through Swahili culture, particularly in Tanzania and Kenya, where it ranks among classic female names.
In Islamic tradition, the root 'salam' represents divine peace, making Salima a profoundly meaningful name. In Swahili culture along the East African coast, it represents the longstanding Arab cultural influence and remains a cherished heritage name.
Historical Record
Salima first appeared in US Social Security records in 1969.
Over 580 babies have been named Salima in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Salima is rising quickly in popularity , currently ranked #6,394 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Salima shares its root with 'salaam' and 'shalom', the Arabic and Hebrew greetings of peace
- The name is especially popular in Tanzania, where Swahili and Arabic cultures have blended for over a thousand years
- Queen Salimah of Jordan popularized the name internationally in the 1960s-70s
Salima in Other Languages
Arabic
سليمة
French
Salima
Spanish
Sálima
Swahili
Salima
Turkish
Selime
Popularity Over Time
#6,394
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Rising Fast
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Salima
S
Salima Talhaoui
Musician
1985
Algerian pop and folk singer known for blending traditional Kabyle music with modern styles
S
Salima Ikram
Scientist
1965
Egyptian-American archaeologist and Egyptologist specializing in animal mummies, professor at the American University in...
Egyptian-American archaeologist and Egyptologist specializing in animal mummies, professor at the American University in Cairo
S
Salima Fictional
Other
Character in Verdi's opera Aida, representing the Arabic cultural heritage within the story
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Compare Salima with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 3
- Popularity Rank
- #6,394
- Total SSA Count
- 19
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Swahili Turkish African
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Alternative Spellings
Common Nicknames
Sali
Sally
Lima
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, Arabic heritage match, balanced 3-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Classic pairing, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 3-1 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Salima
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Frequently Asked Questions About Salima
What does the name Salima mean?
"safe, sound, healthy" (from Arabic). "peace, wholeness" (from Semitic root S-L-M). Salima is a feminine form of the Arabic root 'S-L-M' (salam), the same root that gives us 'Islam' (submission to peace) and 'salaam' (peace). The name means safe, healthy, or peaceful, and carries deep spiritual resonance across the Muslim world. It has been used in Arabic-speaking countries and across Swahili-speaking East Africa for centuries, where it remains a beloved traditional name.
What is the origin of the name Salima?
Salima has Arabic, Semitic root S-L-M, Swahili, Turkish, and African origins. In Arabic, it means "safe, sound, healthy". In Semitic root S-L-M, it means "peace, wholeness".
Is Salima a boy or girl name?
Salima is primarily used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Salima?
Salima is currently ranked #6394 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Salima?
Common nicknames for Salima include Sali, Sally, and Lima.
What are good middle names for Salima?
Popular middle name pairings include Salima Rose, Salima Grace, Salima Amara, Salima Joy, Salima Noor, and Salima Faith.
What are good sibling names for Salima?
Names that pair well with Salima as siblings include Amira, Layla, Yasmin, Zara, Omar, Tariq, and Karim.
How many syllables does Salima have?
Salima has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.
Is Salima a common or rare name?
Salima is an uncommon name, ranked #6394 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
What girl names are similar to Salima?
Are there other spellings for Salima?
Related spellings include Salina.
About the Name Salima
Salima is a girl name with Arabic, Swahili, Turkish, and African origins . The name means "safe, sound, healthy" in Arabic .
Salima is currently ranked #6,394 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Salima has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.
Common nicknames for Salima include Sali, Sally, and Lima. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
Alternative spellings of Salima include Salina . Each spelling variation gives the name a slightly different character while preserving its sound and meaning.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis