"peaceful, safe"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Salma
Girl Name
#870 Most Popular
Steady
2 Syllables
Rooted in shalom and salaam — peace made personal
Arabic
Hebrew
Spanish
Turkish
Persian
Elegant
Earthy
Spiritual
Gentle
International
Meaning & Origin
"peace, completeness"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
The Story of Salma
Salma comes from the Arabic and Hebrew root s-l-m, the same root as Islam and shalom, meaning peace, safety, and wholeness. In Arabic, salma means peaceful or safe. In Hebrew, the name Salmah appears in the Old Testament as a descendant of Judah. The name is used across the Arabic-speaking world, in Turkey, in Persian-speaking cultures, and in Spain. Actress Salma Hayek brought the name to global prominence.
Salma has been a steady, respected name across the Arabic-speaking world for centuries. In the West, Salma Hayek's Hollywood stardom in the 1990s-2000s introduced the name to wider audiences and gave it a glamorous, international appeal.
The root s-l-m connects Salma to the most fundamental concept in Islam and Jewish tradition: shalom and salaam — greetings of peace that are foundational to both religions. The name carries an inherent message of harmony and wholeness.
Fun Facts
- Salma shares a root with both shalom (Hebrew) and salam (Arabic), both meaning peace
- Salma Hayek was the first Latin American actress to be nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actress in 74 years
Salma in Other Languages
Arabic
سلمى
Hebrew
שַׂלְמָה
Persian
سلما
Spanish
Salma
Turkish
Salma
Famous People Named Salma
S
Salma Hayek
Actor
1966
Mexican-American actress, producer, and activist, known for Frida (2002) for which she received an Academy Award nominat...
Mexican-American actress, producer, and activist, known for Frida (2002) for which she received an Academy Award nomination
S
Salma al-Ansariyya
Other
Historical figure mentioned in early Islamic tradition as a companion of the Prophet Muhammad
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #870
- Total SSA Count
- 310
- Cultural Origins
- Arabic Hebrew Spanish Turkish Persian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Sal
Pairs Well With
Salma Nadia
Salma Rose
Salma Leila
Salma Amira
Salma Fatima
Salma Grace
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Salma is also used as a boy name, ranked #33753.
View Salma as a boy name →Similar Names
Same Origin Names (Arabic)
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Salma
What does the name Salma mean?
"peaceful, safe" (from Arabic). "peace, completeness" (from Hebrew). Salma comes from the Arabic and Hebrew root s-l-m, the same root as Islam and shalom, meaning peace, safety, and wholeness. In Arabic, salma means peaceful or safe. In Hebrew, the name Salmah appears in the Old Testament as a descendant of Judah. The name is used across the Arabic-speaking world, in Turkey, in Persian-speaking cultures, and in Spain. Actress Salma Hayek brought the name to global prominence.
What is the origin of the name Salma?
Salma has Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish, Turkish, and Persian origins. In Arabic, it means "peaceful, safe". In Hebrew, it means "peace, completeness".
Is Salma a boy or girl name?
Salma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #870. As a boy name, it is ranked #33753. Salma is more commonly used as a girl name.
How popular is the name Salma?
Salma is currently ranked #870 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Salma?
Common nicknames for Salma include Sal.
What are good middle names for Salma?
Popular middle name pairings include Salma Nadia, Salma Rose, Salma Leila, Salma Amira, Salma Fatima, and Salma Grace.
What are good sibling names for Salma?
Names that pair well with Salma as siblings include Layla, Amira, Yasmin, Omar, Ibrahim, and Fatima.
How many syllables does Salma have?
Salma has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Salma a common or rare name?
Salma is moderately common, ranked #870 for girls in the US. You will encounter it, but it stands out.
About the Name Salma
Salma is a girl name with Arabic, Hebrew, Spanish, Turkish, and Persian origins . The name means "peaceful, safe" in Arabic .
Is Salma a boy or girl name? Salma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #870 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #33,753. Salma is more commonly used as a girl name.
Salma is currently ranked #870 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Salma has 2 syllables, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Salma include Sal. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.