Selma

Pronunciation: [ s-EHLM-uh ]

Girl Name #2,770 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A cross-cultural name meaning peace and divine protection

Scandinavian German Arabic American Turkish

Vintage Strong Earthy Classic Literary

Meaning & Origin

"divine protection, helmet of the gods"

Origin: Germanic/Norse

Language: German/Swedish

"peace, safe"

Origin: Arabic

Language: Arabic

Things to Know About This Name

Strongly associated with Selma, Alabama and the Civil Rights Movement's 1965 marches — a powerful historical association worth knowing

The Story of Selma

Selma has two distinct origins. In Germanic and Old Norse traditions, it derives from 'Anselma' or 'Anselm,' combining elements meaning 'divine' (ans) and 'protection' (helm), making it roughly 'divine protection.' Independently, in Arabic, Selma (سلمى) is a feminine name meaning 'peace' or 'safe,' related to the root S-L-M that also gives us 'Islam' and 'salaam.' This dual heritage gives Selma remarkable cross-cultural resonance.

Selma was popular in Scandinavian countries in the 19th century, partly through the influence of Swedish Nobel laureate Selma Lagerlöf. In the United States, it has had modest but consistent use. The 2014 film 'Selma,' directed by Ava DuVernay about the Civil Rights marches, brought the city and name to renewed prominence.

In Arabic-speaking cultures, Selma is a beloved name for its peaceful meaning. In Scandinavian cultures, it carries literary prestige through Selma Lagerlöf. In American consciousness, Selma, Alabama is deeply tied to the Civil Rights Movement.

Fun Facts

Selma Lagerlöf (1858–1940) was the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature
In Arabic, Selma shares its root with 'salaam' (peace) and 'Islam'
The 2014 film 'Selma' earned an Academy Award for Best Original Song

Selma in Other Languages

Arabic سلمى (Selma)

German Selma

Spanish Selma

Swedish Selma

Turkish Selma

Famous People Named Selma

Selma Blair

Actor

1972

American actress known for 'Cruel Intentions' and candid advocacy for multiple sclerosis awareness

Selma Lagerlöf

Writer

1858

Swedish author and the first woman to receive the Nobel Prize in Literature (1909)

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,770
Total SSA Count: 61
Cultural Origins: Scandinavian German Arabic American Turkish
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Sel Elma

Pairs Well With

Selma Jane Selma Rose Selma Grace Selma May Selma Louise Selma Ann Selma Clare

Sibling Names

Alma Vera Helga Marta Nora Astrid Einar

Also a Boy Name

Selma is also used as a boy name, ranked #28358.

View Selma as a boy name →

Similar Names

Elva Irma Alba Zulema Amna Salma Asma Ahlam

Playground Safety

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Frequently Asked Questions About Selma

What does the name Selma mean?

"divine protection, helmet of the gods" (from Germanic/Norse). "peace, safe" (from Arabic). Selma has two distinct origins. In Germanic and Old Norse traditions, it derives from 'Anselma' or 'Anselm,' combining elements meaning 'divine' (ans) and 'protection' (helm), making it roughly 'divine protection.' Independently, in Arabic, Selma (سلمى) is a feminine name meaning 'peace' or 'safe,' related to the root S-L-M that also gives us 'Islam' and 'salaam.' This dual heritage gives Selma remarkable cross-cultural resonance.

What is the origin of the name Selma?

Selma has Germanic/Norse, Arabic, Scandinavian, German, American, and Turkish origins. In Germanic/Norse, it means "divine protection, helmet of the gods". In Arabic, it means "peace, safe".

Is Selma a boy or girl name?

Selma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2770. As a boy name, it is ranked #28358. Selma is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Selma?

Selma is pronounced s-EHLM-uh.

How popular is the name Selma?

Selma is currently ranked #2770 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Selma?

Common nicknames for Selma include Sel and Elma.

What are good middle names for Selma?

Popular middle name pairings include Selma Jane, Selma Rose, Selma Grace, Selma May, Selma Louise, Selma Ann, and Selma Clare.

What are good sibling names for Selma?

Names that pair well with Selma as siblings include Alma, Vera, Helga, Marta, Nora, Astrid, and Einar.

How many syllables does Selma have?

Selma has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Selma a common or rare name?

Selma is an uncommon name, ranked #2770 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Selma

Selma is a girl name with Scandinavian, German, Arabic, American, and Turkish origins . The name means "divine protection, helmet of the gods" in Germanic/Norse .

Is Selma a boy or girl name? Selma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,770 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #28,358. Selma is more commonly used as a girl name.

Selma is currently ranked #2,770 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Selma has 2 syllables and is pronounced s-EHLM-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Selma include Sel and Elma. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.