Zulema

Girl Name #2,922 Most Popular Hidden Gem 3 Syllables

A peaceful Arabic-Spanish gem rooted in Moorish heritage

Spanish Latin American Arabic Jewish

Unique Elegant Spiritual Vintage

Meaning & Origin

"peace, safe and sound"

Origin: Arabic

Language: Arabic

"peace"

Origin: Hebrew via Shulamith

Language: Hebrew

The Story of Zulema

Zulema is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Zulaikha or Suleima, derived from Arabic Salima meaning peace, safe and sound, related to the root s-l-m shared with Islam and Salaam. It is also connected to the Hebrew Shulamith, from shalom meaning peace. The name appears in the Bible as Shulamite and in Arabic tradition as Zulaikha, the wife of Potiphar who features in the story of Joseph.

Zulema has been a fixture in Spanish-speaking communities for centuries. In the US, it is most common among Hispanic families in the Southwest and Florida. The name maintains steady but modest use across generations.

In Arabic tradition, Zulaikha is a famous romantic figure — the woman who fell in love with the prophet Joseph. This story is celebrated in Persian, Turkish, and Arabic literature. In Spanish culture, the name carries Moorish heritage from the centuries of Islamic Spain.

Fun Facts

The root s-l-m is shared by Zulema, Islam, Salaam, Solomon, and Jerusalem
Zulaikha appears as the name of Potiphar's wife in many Islamic texts and Persian poetry
The 13th-century Persian poet Jami wrote a famous epic poem about Yusuf and Zulaikha

Zulema in Other Languages

Arabic زليخا

Hebrew Shulamith

Persian Zulaikha

Spanish Zulema

Turkish Züleyha

Famous People Named Zulema

Zulema Khan

Politician

New Jersey state legislator, one of the few Latinas serving in the New Jersey General Assembly

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 3
Popularity Rank: #2,922
Total SSA Count: 56
Cultural Origins: Spanish Latin American Arabic Jewish
Pronunciation: Moderate
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: Moderate

Common Nicknames

Zule Lema Zuzu

Pairs Well With

Zulema Sofia Zulema Maria Zulema Valentina Zulema Celeste Zulema Lucia Zulema Isabel Zulema Carmen

Sibling Names

Selena Valentina Santiago Mateo Salma Esmeralda Rafael

Similar Names

Selma Wilma Salma Salem Ahlam Sama Rahma

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Zulema

What does the name Zulema mean?

"peace, safe and sound" (from Arabic). "peace" (from Hebrew via Shulamith). Zulema is the Spanish and Portuguese form of Zulaikha or Suleima, derived from Arabic Salima meaning peace, safe and sound, related to the root s-l-m shared with Islam and Salaam. It is also connected to the Hebrew Shulamith, from shalom meaning peace. The name appears in the Bible as Shulamite and in Arabic tradition as Zulaikha, the wife of Potiphar who features in the story of Joseph.

What is the origin of the name Zulema?

Zulema has Arabic, Hebrew via Shulamith, Spanish, Latin American, and Jewish origins. In Arabic, it means "peace, safe and sound". In Hebrew via Shulamith, it means "peace".

Is Zulema a boy or girl name?

Zulema is primarily used as a girl name.

How popular is the name Zulema?

Zulema is currently ranked #2922 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Zulema?

Common nicknames for Zulema include Zule, Lema, and Zuzu.

What are good middle names for Zulema?

Popular middle name pairings include Zulema Sofia, Zulema Maria, Zulema Valentina, Zulema Celeste, Zulema Lucia, Zulema Isabel, and Zulema Carmen.

What are good sibling names for Zulema?

Names that pair well with Zulema as siblings include Selena, Valentina, Santiago, Mateo, Salma, Esmeralda, and Rafael.

How many syllables does Zulema have?

Zulema has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and rhythmic.

Is Zulema a common or rare name?

Zulema is an uncommon name, ranked #2922 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Zulema

Zulema is a girl name with Spanish, Latin American, Arabic, and Jewish origins . The name means "peace, safe and sound" in Arabic .

Zulema is currently ranked #2,922 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Zulema has 3 syllables, making it distinctive and memorable.

Common nicknames for Zulema include Zule, Lema, and Zuzu. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.