Salima Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: sah-LEE-mah /səˈliː.mə/
Origin: Arabic; Swahili
Meaning: Arabic: safe; Swahili: prosperous
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Salima has its roots in the Arabic language, deriving from the root word "s-l-m," which means "peace" or "safety." This etymological foundation connects Salima to a broader linguistic tradition in which names are often imbued with meanings related to well-being and tranquility. The name has been adopted into various cultures, particularly in regions influenced by Arabic language and culture, including parts of North Africa and the Middle East, before making its way into other languages and cultures through trade, migration, and the spread of Islam from the 7th century onward.
Historically, the name Salima can be associated with several notable figures in Islamic history, although specific references may be less prominent than other names. The name is often linked to the concept of peace and safety, which resonates with various cultural and religious narratives in Islamic tradition.
Additionally, the name appears in various forms in literature and historical texts, reflecting its significance in different eras. For instance, during the medieval period, the spread of Arabic literature and scholarship facilitated the adoption of names like Salima in diverse contexts, contributing to its historical presence.
Culturally, Salima embodies ideals of peace and harmony, making it a name that carries positive connotations in many societies. Its associations with safety and well-being have allowed it to endure through generations.
In some cultures, diminutive forms or variations of Salima, such as Salimah, may also be used, although these variations often retain the core meaning of the original name. Overall, Salima's etymological roots, historical significance, and cultural resonance contribute to its lasting appeal across different cultures and languages.
Famous people named Salima
In this section, you will find notable people named Salima. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Salima who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Salima who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Salima Hashmi is an artist and educator best known for her work in contemporary art and her role in promoting Pakistani art.
Salima Nourmohammadi is a singer and musician best known for her contributions to Persian music and her performances in various cultural festivals.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Salima, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Salima. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Salima was first seen in the United States in 1969.
Salima has ranked as high as #9635 nationally, which occurred in 2018, and has been most popular in New York, and New Jersey.
In the past 5 years the name Salima has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Salima is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Salima was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Salima.
| Year | Total Births | Girl |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 17 | 17 |
| 2024 | 20 | 20 |
| 2023 | 18 | 18 |
| 2022 | 12 | 12 |
| 2021 | 14 | 14 |
| 2020 | 11 | 11 |
| 2019 | 10 | 10 |
| 2018 | 22 | 22 |
| 2017 | 15 | 15 |
| 2016 | 8 | 8 |
| 2015 | 14 | 14 |
| 2014 | 10 | 10 |
| 2013 | 16 | 16 |
| 2012 | 12 | 12 |
| 2011 | 6 | 6 |
| 2010 | 12 | 12 |
| 2009 | 14 | 14 |
| 2008 | 10 | 10 |
| 2007 | 7 | 7 |
| 2006 | 14 | 14 |
| 2005 | 15 | 15 |
| 2003 | 11 | 11 |
| 2002 | 7 | 7 |
| 2001 | 10 | 10 |
| 2000 | 16 | 16 |
| 1999 | 10 | 10 |
| 1998 | 5 | 5 |
| 1997 | 7 | 7 |
| 1996 | 11 | 11 |
| 1995 | 7 | 7 |
| 1994 | 9 | 9 |
| 1993 | 7 | 7 |
| 1992 | 11 | 11 |
| 1991 | 10 | 10 |
| 1990 | 12 | 12 |
| 1989 | 7 | 7 |
| 1988 | 16 | 16 |
| 1987 | 13 | 13 |
| 1986 | 9 | 9 |
| 1985 | 8 | 8 |
| 1984 | 6 | 6 |
| 1983 | 8 | 8 |
| 1982 | 6 | 6 |
| 1981 | 5 | 5 |
| 1980 | 13 | 13 |
| 1979 | 7 | 7 |
| 1978 | 13 | 13 |
| 1977 | 11 | 11 |
| 1976 | 20 | 20 |
| 1975 | 9 | 9 |
| 1974 | 6 | 6 |
| 1973 | 7 | 7 |
| 1972 | 6 | 6 |
| 1971 | 7 | 7 |
| 1970 | 5 | 5 |
| 1969 | 6 | 6 |
Top States for Salima (1988)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. The table below shows the five states with the highest number of births for this name in the selected year. Use the toggle to expand the list to every state with reported births.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| NY | 5 |