Salma Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SAL-ma /ˈsæl.mə/
Origin: Arabic; Hebrew
Meaning: Arabic: peaceful; Hebrew: to be safe
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Salma has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "salam," which means "peace" or "safety." This etymological connection highlights the name's connotations of tranquility and well-being. The name has been used in various forms across different cultures and languages, often retaining its core meaning related to peace.
As Arabic spread through trade and cultural exchange, the name Salma found its way into other languages and regions, including Persian and Turkish, before being adopted into English and other Western languages. Historically, the name Salma has been associated with notable figures in Islamic tradition.
One of the earliest references can be traced to Salma bint 'Amr, a companion of the Prophet Muhammad, who lived in the 7th century. The name also appears in various literary works and poetry throughout the centuries, often symbolizing beauty and grace.
In medieval Arabic literature, Salma was a popular name among poets and writers, further embedding it into the cultural fabric of the Arabic-speaking world. Culturally, Salma has resonated through its associations with peace and harmony, making it a name that carries significant weight in various traditions.
It is often linked to ideals of serenity and stability, which have contributed to its enduring presence in both historical and contemporary contexts. The name also has diminutive forms, such as Salimah, which can be found in some cultures, reflecting a familial or affectionate usage.
Overall, Salma embodies a rich linguistic heritage and a deep cultural significance that transcends its simple meaning.
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U.S. Historical Usage
The name Salma was first seen in the United States in 1918. Salma has ranked as high as #871 nationally, which occurred in 1999, and has been most popular in California, Texas, New York, Minnesota, and Florida. In the past 5 years the name Salma has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Salma (2024)
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| CA | 49 | |
| TX | 36 | |
| FL | 33 | |
| NY | 24 | |
| IL | 22 | |
| MN | 17 | |
| OH | 10 | |
| NJ | 10 | |
| WA | 9 | |
| MA | 8 | |
| VA | 8 | |
| WI | 7 | |
| TN | 6 | |
| MD | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1918 | 6 |
| 1972 | 10 |
| 1973 | 7 |
| 1974 | 10 |
| 1975 | 9 |
| 1977 | 5 |
| 1978 | 13 |
| 1979 | 5 |
| 1980 | 11 |
| 1981 | 16 |
| 1982 | 17 |
| 1983 | 13 |
| 1984 | 16 |
| 1985 | 12 |
| 1986 | 24 |
| 1987 | 24 |
| 1988 | 19 |
| 1989 | 26 |
| 1990 | 38 |
| 1991 | 41 |
| 1992 | 42 |
| 1993 | 46 |
| 1994 | 55 |
| 1995 | 49 |
| 1996 | 101 |
| 1997 | 291 |
| 1998 | 430 |
| 1999 | 442 |
| 2000 | 359 |
| 2001 | 364 |
| 2002 | 318 |
| 2003 | 377 |
| 2004 | 309 |
| 2005 | 358 |
| 2006 | 362 |
| 2007 | 349 |
| 2008 | 332 |
| 2009 | 360 |
| 2010 | 300 |
| 2011 | 313 |
| 2012 | 348 |
| 2013 | 324 |
| 2014 | 309 |
| 2015 | 351 |
| 2016 | 385 |
| 2017 | 362 |
| 2018 | 340 |
| 2019 | 289 |
| 2020 | 240 |
| 2021 | 289 |
| 2022 | 311 |
| 2023 | 295 |
| 2024 | 310 |