Selma

Selma - A very unique female name

Selma appeared on the charts for the first time in 1910 on position #218. In this article you'll learn the history of this name, statistics, see famous people named Selma and more.
Are you having a baby or looking to learn more about the name Selma? Our experts and editorial staff have gathered trends and insights for 30,000+ baby names over the last 100 years -- And on this page you will learn everything you ever wanted to know about the name Selma. The baby girl name Selma was given to 15 baby girls in 2025, ranking #3329 on the national girl baby name top chart.


With that position 1 in 86,898 baby girls were given this name - making this a very unique female name according to our Popularity Score algorithm. Selma peaked in popularity 112 years ago in 1914 on position 209.

Famous with this name

How would you rate Selma, 1-5?

Selma is currently topping the charts in...

Did you know that popularity can vary a lot between states? Selma is currently topping the baby name charts in California at position #2,064 - and is the least popular in Texas at position #3,725.

Why care about state specific baby name charts? It could be that a name that is very popular on the national overall charts is less (or even more) popular where you live. So make sure you check out the state specific charts below and find out how popular or unique Selma is where you live.

---

Comment and discuss

---

Selma origin and meaning

German and Scandinavian use; more than one root

Uncertain — usually explained as a short form of Anselma (Germanic 'god' + 'helmet'), but it is also used as a form of the Arabic Salma, 'safe, peaceful'

Selma had its American peak back in 1918 and has fallen since. Two traditions feed it — a Germanic short form and an Arabic-adjacent form — and in the US the city of Selma, Alabama, and its civil-rights history is now the strongest association of all.

Origin uncertain

Selma is a 5 letter name with 2 syllables.

To see famous people named Selma, pop culture references for the name Selma and nicknames & variations - visit Nameberry or Wikipedia.

Similar to Selma

We've found the following names that sound similar to Selma, sorted by popularity.

Selena / Sloane / Selina / Salma / Selene / Sloan / Salem / Salina / Salome / Solana /

---

Name statistics

Most parents-to-be know if they want a popular or unique name, and with these charts and data tables you can easily get a better understanding of how popular or unique this name is.

With a quick glance you can easily tell if this name is increasing or declining in popularity - But note that its current popularity can actually differ a lot from state to state.

Chart position per year (visualized)

Chart position per state (visualized)

Chart position per year (table view)

Chart position per state (table view)

Even more about Selma

These are some of the common questions you may want to have answered to know if this is the perfect name for your baby.

Is Selma a common or unique name?

By analyzing the number of births and frequency of this name we've determined that it's currently a very unique female name.

What is the number of syllables for the name Selma?

2 syllables. Why is this important? One of the things that makes a baby name sound good and have a nice rythm is the number of syllables - and especially the number of syllables along with the syllable count for your last name. A simple rule is to avoid having the same number of syllables in your first, middle and last name.

---

Pronunciation

SEL-mah · /ˈsɛlmə/

Around the world

No traditional forms in other languages — this name was created in America in our own time.

Spellings and nicknames

• Salma — The Arabic name Selma is sometimes used for — a separate established name

Nicknames: Sel

Famous bearers

• Selma Blair — Actress known for 'Cruel Intentions' and 'Legally Blonde' (b. 1972) Contemporary

Style

InternationalClassic

Why parents choose it

Selma offers vintage weight and an easy international sound, with real historical resonance.

Worth knowing

• For many Americans the first association is Selma, Alabama and the 1965 marches — a serious, honourable link, but a heavy one