Charlotte Girl
SHAHR-luht
“free man” · French
#2
Salma
GirlArabic· “safe, peaceful”
- Meaning
- safe, peaceful
- Origin
- Arabic
- Pronunciation
- SAHL-muh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #937
- US babies 2025
- 278
- Best rank
- #569 (1999)
- Peak year
- 1999
Meaning and origin of Salma
Salma is an Arabic name that means “safe, peaceful”.
Salma is an Arabic name meaning safe or peaceful, from the root s-l-m that also gives salaam, peace, and Salim, safe. It has been used in the Arabic-speaking world for centuries and is common in Muslim families across the Middle East, North Africa, East Africa and South Asia. The Mexican American actress Salma Hayek, who has Lebanese roots on her father's side, made it well known internationally. Related names from the same root include the feminine Salima and Salama and the masculine Salman and Salim.
Popularity over time
Salma first appears in US Social Security records in 1918. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 28 different years, starting in 1997. Its best national rank was #569 in 1999, the same year it reached its highest count of 442 babies. In 2025, 278 babies were named Salma, and it ranked #937 nationally. Its use has been fairly steady over the past decade.
Its national rank moved from #6,231 in 1980, #673 in 2000, #884 in 2010, and #937 in 2025. Of the 10,311 US girls named Salma since records began, 34% were born in the 2000s, its biggest decade. The 2010s come next, with 3,321 babies. Since 2010, 5,045 more have been named Salma.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Graciela, Kayley, Destiney, Halie, and Sydni.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Salma ranked highest in Minnesota, Florida, and Maryland.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | #301 | 19 |
| Florida | #487 | 38 |
| Maryland | #502 | 11 |
| Texas | #662 | 47 |
| Washington | #672 | 10 |
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for girls.
Salma is usually pronounced SAHL-muh, with two syllables. It has five letters, starts with S and ends in “-ma”.
Middle names for Salma
A few middle names that flow with Salma: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Salma
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Lists that include Salma
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Salma mean?
Salma is an Arabic name that means “safe, peaceful”.
What is the origin of the name Salma?
Salma has Arabic roots. Salma is an Arabic name meaning safe or peaceful, from the root s-l-m that also gives salaam, peace, and Salim, safe.
Is Salma a popular name?
Yes. Salma ranked #937 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Salma a boy or girl name?
Salma is mainly a girl's name. In the US it is used almost only for girls.
How do you pronounce Salma?
Salma is usually pronounced SAHL-muh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings