"peaceful, safe"
Origin: Arabic
Language: Arabic
Salma
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Rooted in shalom and salaam — peace made personal
Arabic
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Meaning & Origin
"peace, completeness"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
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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.
Historical Record
Salma first appeared in US Social Security records in 1972.
Over 10,026 babies have been named Salma in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Salma is a hidden gem — rare but distinctive , currently ranked #870 for girl names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#870
Current Rank
Stable
Trend
Hidden Gem
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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
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See all →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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Classic pairing, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Arabic heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, Spanish heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
Middle Names
Middle Names for Salma
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Salma is also used as a boy name, ranked #33753.
View Salma as a boy name →Similar Names
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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.
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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