Find out how popular the first name Salima has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Salima by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Salima is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 18 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Salima.

The history of the first name Salima

The name Salima has its origins in the Arabic language and culture. It is derived from the Arabic word "salim" or "salima," which means "safe," "whole," or "peaceful." The name has been in use since ancient times in the Middle East and North Africa.

Salima is a feminine form of the name, and it is found in various spellings across different regions, such as Salimah, Selima, and Salma. In Islamic tradition, the name is often associated with the concept of peace and tranquility, as mentioned in the Quran.

One of the earliest recorded references to the name Salima can be found in the works of medieval Arab scholars and poets. For example, the 10th-century poet Ibn al-Mu'tazz composed a poem praising a woman named Salima.

Throughout history, several notable women have borne the name Salima. One of the earliest examples is Salima bint Malik al-Khuza'i (580-640 CE), a companion of the Prophet Muhammad and one of the first female converts to Islam. She was known for her piety and devotion to the faith.

Another prominent figure with the name Salima was Salima Ikram Mufti (1935-2018), a Pakistani artist and activist who played a significant role in the country's women's rights movement. She was awarded the Pride of Performance, one of Pakistan's highest civilian honors, in 1989.

In the literary world, Salima Machamba (1945-2020) was a renowned Mozambican poet and writer. Her works explored themes of identity, colonialism, and the struggle for independence. She received numerous accolades, including the José Craveirinha Prize for Literature in 2009.

In the realm of sports, Salima Nazmutdinova (born 1989) is a prominent Kazakh boxer who has won multiple medals in international competitions, including a gold medal at the 2014 Asian Games.

Another notable figure is Salima Souakri (born 1982), an Algerian filmmaker and activist. Her documentary films have shed light on issues such as women's rights, cultural identity, and social justice in Algeria and the broader Arab world.

While these are just a few examples, the name Salima has been carried by many influential and remarkable individuals throughout history, reflecting its enduring appeal and significance across various cultures and time periods.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Salima was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Salima, please contact us.

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