Salma
How to say it: SAL-muh · /ˈsɑlmə/
From Arabic salam meaning 'peace'; also a Hebrew name related to the word for 'peaceful'.
Salma was the 834th most popular girls’ name in the United States in 2025, given to 278 babies (Social Security Administration). Its busiest decade was the 2010s, its births are down about 21% in ten years, and it is projected to slip to #842 by 2030.
Updated · SSA 2025 data, published May 2026 · Insee 2025 data, published July 2026 · How we compute these figures
Key facts
| Rank among girls’ names, 2025 | #834 |
|---|---|
| Babies born in 2025 | 278 |
| Share of births | 1 in 11,925 |
| Peak decade | 2010s |
| Change over 10 years | −21% |
| Projected rank for 2030 (estimate) | #842 |
| In France, 2025 | #309 among girls’ names, 180 births |
Sources: Social Security Administration (SSA), Insee (France). How we compute these figures.
Its life, decade by decade
After a high in the 2010s, Salma slipped back a little. It stays close to that high, though the next few years look likely to soften further.
What goes with it
Soft and breathy with a gentle quality that travels well as a virtue name. Layla makes a natural companion.
In the classroom
In a class of 25 children born in 2025, the chance that another child is called Salma is about under 1 in 200.
Around the world
This spelling is used in Arabic, English, French, Hebrew, Hindi, Spanish.
In France: #309 for girls in 2025.
Famous people named Salma
- Salma Hayek (born 1966)Mexican and American actress
- Salma Paralluelo (born 2003)Spanish association football player
- Salma Agha (born 1956)Actress, singer
From Wikidata and Wikipedia
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