Etymology & Historical Origin of the Baby Name Salma

Salma is a name of Arabic origin (Salāma) and means “safety, well-being”. It was popularized by Mexican born actress Salma Hayek who happens to be Lebanese (Arab) on her father’s side and Spanish on her mother’s. Salma is essentially the female equivalent to the Arabic masculine name Salman (as in Rushdie). Salma is surprisingly popular in Spain and Catalonia, although when the Moors occupied the Iberian Peninsula for over seven centuries in the Middle Ages they left behind many given names of Arabic origin – Salma may be a leftover from that (like Fatima for instance). Or else the Spanish and Catalans are just big fans of Salma Hayek and have since embraced her name as she’s become internationally famous. Salma is also a super popular female name among Arabs in France and Belgium.

All About the Baby Name – Salma

Personality

OF THE GIRL NAME SALMA

The number one personality is a leader - strong and competitive. They are willing to initiate action and take risks. One personalities work hard toward their endeavors and have the ability to apply their creative and innovative thinking skills with strong determination. They believe in their ability to succeed and are too stubborn to be hindered by obstacles. Ones meet obstacles head-on with such mental vigor and energy that you better step aside. They resent taking orders, so don't try telling them what to do either. This is an intensely active personality, but they are also known as starters rather than finishers. They have a propensity to become bored and will move quickly to the next project if not properly challenged.  They are the ones to think up and put into action new and brilliant ideas, but they are not the ones to stick around and manage them. This personality has an enthusiastic and pioneering spirit. They are distinctly original.

Popularity

OF THE GIRL NAME SALMA

Salma hit the American naming charts in 1997. Not surprisingly this is the same year Salma Hayek had her first starring role in an American-made film “Fools Rush In” opposite Matthew Perry. American audiences were instantly awed by the buxom Mexican beauty and her unusual name climbed onto the Top 1000 list of girl names for the first time ever. Although the name showed immediate usage and even scrambled to levels of low-moderation, the frenzy died down pretty quickly and Salma is now back down at the bottom of the list. It’s interesting to see a name of Arabic origin used less by Arab-Americans and more by Hispanic-Americans. We also appreciate the name’s etymology – i.e., safety, well-being – since these are things we want for our children at all times. Perhaps it can be considered a “safety” precaution to name one’s daughter Salma.

Quick Facts

ON SALMA

GENDER:

Girl

ORIGIN:

Arabic

NUMBER OF SYLLABLES:

2

RANKING POPULARITY:

822

PRONUNCIATION:

SAHL-ma

SIMPLE MEANING:

To be safe

Characteristics

OF SALMA

Independent

Individualistic

Ambitious

Strong-willed

Inventive

Successful

Cultural References to the Baby Name – Salma

Literary Characters

OF THE BABY NAME SALMA

We cannot find any significant literary characters by the name of Salma

Childrens Books

ON THE BABY NAME SALMA

We cannot find any childrens books with the first name Salma


Popular Songs

ON SALMA

Salma Ya Salama
a song by Dalida

Famous People

NAMED SALMA

Salma Hayek (actress)

Children of Famous People

NAMED SALMA

We cannot find any children of famous people with the first name Salma

Historic Figures

WITH THE NAME SALMA

We cannot find any historically significant people with the first name Salma