Sulema Girl

Popularity: #942 · Trend: ↘ Falling

Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: soo-LEH-mah /suˈleː.mə/

Origin: Arabic; Spanish

Meaning: Arabic: peace; Spanish: derived from 'Salima', meaning safe or healthy.

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Sulema has its roots in Arabic, derived from the word "salama," which means "peace" or "safety." This etymological lineage traces back to the Semitic languages, where the root S-L-M is associated with concepts of peace and submission, as seen in other related names such as Salim and Salam. The name likely entered the English lexicon through cultural exchanges and the influence of Arabic on various European languages, particularly during the Middle Ages when interactions between the Islamic world and Europe were prominent due to trade and the Crusades.

Historically, the name Sulema can be linked to various notable figures in Islamic history, including women of significance in the early Islamic community. While specific historical milestones directly associated with the name may not be extensively documented, the broader cultural and religious significance of names derived from Arabic roots is well established.

The spread of Islam from the 7th century onward facilitated the adoption of Arabic names across diverse cultures, including those in regions such as North Africa and parts of Europe, where Arabic influence was felt. Culturally, names like Sulema carry connotations of tranquility and safety, reflecting the values of peace that are central to Islamic teachings.

The name may also be associated with various diminutive forms or variations, such as Suleiman, which is more commonly recognized in historical texts. The enduring appeal of names like Sulema can be attributed to their deep-rooted meanings and the cultural narratives that surround them, fostering a sense of identity and continuity within communities that honor these traditions.

Sibling suggestions

If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Sulema, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.

SalimaSuleimanSelmaSulaSulaiman

Similar names

Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Sulema. 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.

SelenaSabrinaSierraSofiaSamanthaSiennaSoleilSarina

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Sulema was first seen in the United States in 1916.

Sulema has ranked as high as #3325 nationally, which occurred in 1996, and has been most popular in Texas, California, and Illinois.

In the past 5 years the name Sulema has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

The name Sulema 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 Sulema 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 Sulema.

Year Total Births Girl
2025 6 6
2023 8 8
2022 7 7
2021 11 11
2019 8 8
2018 5 5
2017 8 8
2016 9 9
2015 15 15
2014 10 10
2013 6 6
2012 15 15
2011 14 14
2010 16 16
2009 15 15
2008 14 14
2007 16 16
2006 22 22
2005 25 25
2004 31 31
2003 31 31
2002 19 19
2001 39 39
2000 25 25
1999 37 37
1998 37 37
1997 32 32
1996 72 72
1995 25 25
1994 31 31
1993 35 35
1992 31 31
1991 26 26
1990 34 34
1989 18 18
1988 19 19
1987 14 14
1986 23 23
1985 22 22
1984 18 18
1983 25 25
1982 22 22
1981 28 28
1980 27 27
1979 24 24
1978 26 26
1977 20 20
1976 19 19
1975 19 19
1974 24 24
1973 32 32
1972 19 19
1971 20 20
1970 15 15
1969 21 21
1968 17 17
1967 31 31
1966 20 20
1965 14 14
1964 30 30
1963 16 16
1962 25 25
1961 22 22
1960 23 23
1959 25 25
1958 18 18
1957 27 27
1956 18 18
1955 17 17
1954 19 19
1953 21 21
1952 31 31
1951 15 15
1950 20 20
1949 24 24
1948 23 23
1947 23 23
1946 22 22
1945 16 16
1944 22 22
1943 17 17
1942 18 18
1941 20 20
1940 16 16
1939 15 15
1938 10 10
1937 14 14
1936 16 16
1935 13 13
1934 15 15
1933 8 8
1932 12 12
1930 8 8
1929 6 6
1928 5 5
1927 10 10
1926 9 9
1925 10 10
1924 7 7
1923 11 11
1922 6 6
1921 7 7
1920 8 8
1919 7 7
1918 6 6
1916 5 5

Top States for Sulema (2015)

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
CA 6
100%