Selma Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Selma is an Arabic name meaning peace or safe. It has evolved from the Arabic 'salm' into its current form. The name has a serene and strong connotation and gained popularity in the 19th century. There are no biblical references associated with it, and it is regarded positively in modern contexts.
The name Selma is most popular in North Dakota, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the Northeast region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is declining in usage, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Selma has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Selma' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 2508th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 3060th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4781st out of 7552 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 241st out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 425th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 991st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2387th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 3784th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 2123rd out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 2286th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Selma' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Selma"
Pronunciation
/ˈsɛlmə/
Origin
Arabic
Etymology
The name Selma is derived from the Arabic word 'salm' which means 'peace' or 'safe'. It has also been associated with the meaning 'to be safe' or 'to be at peace'.
Meaning
peace, safe
Language Evolution
Salm, Selma
Historical Usage
The name Selma gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, partly due to literary influences.
Variants & Derivatives
Salma, Selima
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Selma is viewed as a classic and elegant name, often associated with strength and serenity.
Famous People
Selma Lagerlöf, Swedish author and Nobel laureate, Selma Hayek, Mexican-American actress and producer
Explore More Selma Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Selma"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Selma"
"Selma" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 2508th of 7545 | 169 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 3060th of 6773 | 113 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4781st of 7552 | 39 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 241st of 9107 | 13,535 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 425th of 9204 | 4,846 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 991st of 12526 | 2,015 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2387th of 19264 | 531 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 3784th of 27321 | 410 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 2123rd of 35406 | 1,398 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 2286th of 30306 | 971 |
Regional Popularity of "Selma" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
91.55% 2166th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Selma" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
16.03% 227th/1416 |
11.53% 159th/1379 |
12.89% 305th/2366 |
29.25% 334th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
35.25% 545th/1546 |
16.26% 253rd/1556 |
20.23% 476th/2353 |
42.40% 656th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
65.07% 1449th/2227 |
36.71% 892nd/2430 |
29.58% 844th/2853 |
48.86% 1356th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
93.43% 2744th/2937 |
66.75% 2325th/3483 |
48.10% 1692nd/3518 |
63.92% 2585th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
62.55% 2799th/4475 |
53.60% 2784th/5194 |
49.42% 3122nd/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
45.64% 2091st/4582 |
33.62% 1736th/5164 |
33.13% 2423rd/7313 |
27.29% 2037th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
52.08% 2075th/3984 |
43.75% 1963rd/4487 |
44.44% 3032nd/6822 |
36.71% 2304th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity of "Selma"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Selma" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.