Shelma Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: SHEL-ma //ˈʃɛl.mə//
Origin: Hebrew; Arabic
Meaning: Hebrew: 'peace'; Arabic: 'safety'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Shelma has its roots in Hebrew, derived from the word "shalom," which means "peace." The evolution of the name can be traced through various linguistic stages, beginning with its Hebrew origins, where it is often associated with concepts of wholeness and tranquility. As Hebrew transitioned into Greek, the name would have maintained its core meaning, although specific historical references to its Greek form are less documented.
The name likely entered the English language through translations of biblical texts, particularly during the medieval period when Hebrew names were adopted into Christian contexts, often through Latin or Old French intermediaries. Historically, the name Shelma does not have prominent figures or saints associated with it, unlike other biblical names.
However, the broader concept of peace has significant resonance in various religious and cultural narratives. The name's connection to peace aligns with the values espoused in many religious traditions, including Judaism and Christianity, where peace is a central theme.
The absence of notable historical milestones specifically tied to the name Shelma does not diminish its cultural significance, as names embodying peace have been cherished throughout history. In terms of cultural resonance, the name Shelma symbolizes harmony and tranquility, qualities that have been valued across different societies.
The idea of peace has been a recurring motif in literature, art, and philosophy, reinforcing the name's enduring appeal. While diminutive forms or variations of the name may exist, they are not widely documented in historical texts.
Overall, Shelma represents a linguistic and cultural heritage that emphasizes the importance of peace and wholeness, reflecting a timeless human aspiration.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Shelma, 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 Shelma. 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 Shelma was first seen in the United States in 1937.
Shelma has ranked as high as #872 nationally, which occurred in 1938, and has been most popular in .
In the past 5 years the name Shelma has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Shelma 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 Shelma was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Shelma
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
No state data available for this year.
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 Shelma.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 1966 | 7 |
| 1962 | 5 |
| 1956 | 5 |
| 1954 | 5 |
| 1948 | 5 |
| 1947 | 5 |
| 1945 | 5 |
| 1943 | 7 |
| 1941 | 6 |
| 1939 | 9 |
| 1938 | 10 |
| 1937 | 8 |