Find out how popular the first name Selamawit has been for the last 18 years (from 1990 to 2007) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Selamawit by gender

Based on the last 18 years of data, Selamawit is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2007, there were 5 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Selamawit.

The history of the first name Selamawit

Selamawit is a feminine given name of Amharic origin, derived from the Semitic root words "selam" meaning "peace" and "awit" meaning "come." It is a name widely used in Ethiopia, particularly among the Amhara people, and is believed to have originated during the Axumite Empire period, which spanned from around the 1st century BC to the 7th century AD.

The earliest known reference to the name Selamawit can be found in the ancient Ge'ez language, which was the literary language of the Axumite Empire. In Ge'ez, the name is written as "ሰላም አውይት" (Selam Awit), reflecting its Semitic roots.

One of the earliest recorded individuals with the name Selamawit was a 9th-century Ethiopian princess and daughter of Emperor Dil Naod. She is mentioned in several historical texts, including the Kebra Nagast (The Glory of Kings), an important literary work in the Ethiopian tradition.

Another notable figure named Selamawit was a 14th-century Ethiopian queen consort and wife of Emperor Dawit I. She played a significant role in the political and cultural affairs of the Solomonic dynasty during her husband's reign.

In the 16th century, a famous Ethiopian nun named Selamawit Warq lived in the monastery of Debre Libanos. She is revered as a saint in the Ethiopian Orthodox Tewahedo Church and is known for her piety and devotion.

During the 17th century, a prominent Ethiopian noblewoman named Selamawit Giyorgis served as a trusted advisor to Emperor Fasilides. She is credited with influencing several important decisions during the emperor's reign.

In the 19th century, Selamawit Mengesha was a renowned Ethiopian artist and painter, known for her intricate religious murals and frescoes adorning many churches and monasteries throughout the country.

Throughout its long history, the name Selamawit has remained popular in Ethiopia and among the Ethiopian diaspora worldwide. Its meaning of "peace comes" reflects the cultural values of harmony and tranquility that are deeply rooted in the Ethiopian tradition.

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 Selamawit was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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