Selma
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Selma
ARPA
S EH1 L M AH0
IPA
ˈsɛlmə
Pronunciation Breakdown
Detailed phonetic analysis of how to say Selma
Syllables (2)
S EH1 L M AH0
Bold syllables indicate primary stress
Sound Breakdown
S
sea (s)EH1
Ed (ɛ)L
lee (l)M
me (m)AH0
hut (ʌ)International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)
ˈsɛlmə
Standard international representation
Pronunciation Tips
• This name has 2 syllables. Take your time with each part.
• Emphasize the syllable marked in bold for correct pronunciation.
Name Statistics
Key metrics and characteristics of Selma
Structure
Character Count
5
Syllable Count
2
Vowel Ratio
40%
Name Family
selma
Usability
Pronunciation Difficulty4/10
Moderate difficulty
International Friendliness10/10
Works well across languages
Name DNA Profile
The unique character and personality of Selma
Name Personality
The Global
Global
Adaptable
Modern
Key Characteristics
Length
Medium
Balanced and versatile
Rhythm
Flowing
Balanced rhythm
Sound
Balanced
Mix of vowels and consonants
Ease
Moderate
May require practice
Global
Universal
Works across cultures
Heritage
selma
Part of this name family
Letter Frequency
s×1
e×1
l×1
Most frequent letters in Selma
Visual Pattern
Tall bars = vowels, Short bars = consonants
Name Statistics
📊
Syllables
2 syllables
🗣️
Ease of Pronunciation
Easy
4/10 difficulty
🌍
International Friendliness
Excellent
10/10 global ease
Pronunciation Difficulty Comparison
How does Selma compare to the average name?
Selma4/10 😐
4.0
Average Name5.0/10
5.0
Selma is easier than average by 1.0 points.
Difficulty Scale:
Very Easy (0–2)
Easy (2–4)← Selma
Moderate (4–6)
Challenging (6–8)
Difficult (9–11)
👨👩👧👦Name Family
Names related to Selma (root: selma)
Current Name
Selma
Related Names (9)
Short variations:
Sela
Selah
Medium variations:
Selman
Selmer
Selmin
Selmir
Selmner
Selmon
Selmore
Selma belongs to a family of 10 related names.
Name Meaning
What Selma means
Historical Reference
1. a town in central Alabama on the Alabama river; in 1965 it was the center of a drive to register Black voters
selma rogue
Meaning Theme
The emotional tone and themes in Selma's meanings
Primary Theme
📖
Descriptive
Based on origin, place, or historical context
Theme Distribution
Natural
1
Descriptive
1
Key Themes
river;
Name Numerology
Numerological analysis and letter patterns for Selma
Life Path Number
5
The Explorer
Dynamic personalities who thrive on change, freedom, and new experiences.
Adventurous
Adaptable
Free-spirited
Curious
Most Common Letters
s×1
e×1
l×1
m×1
a×1
Sound Composition
Vowels
2(40%)
Consonants
3(60%)
Consonant-heavy names tend to sound more crisp and strong
Numerology Breakdown
s1
e5
l3
m4
a1
Each letter is assigned a number (1-9). These are added together and reduced to find your Life Path Number.
Country Rankings
How popular Selma is around the world
| Country | Gender | Rank | Years |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bosnia and Herzegovina | girl | #63 | 2017-2017 |
| Denmark | girl | #49 | 2011-2011 |
| Finland | girl | #45 | 2017-2017 |
| France | girl | #148 | 2018-2018 |
| Netherlands | girl | #355 | 2019-2019 |
| Norway | girl | #26 | 2018-2018 |
| Sweden | girl | #12 | 2019-2019 |
| Turkey | girl | #99 | 1995-1995 |
| United States | girl | #942 | 1956-1956 |
Selma Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for boys named Selma
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Selma Popularity in United States
Historical ranking trend for girls named Selma
Lower rank numbers indicate higher popularity (e.g., #1 is most popular)
Country Comparison
How Selma ranks across different countries
Showing top 9 countries by ranking (lower rank = more popular)
Rhyming Words
Words that rhyme with Selma
anselma
aselma
delma
elma
helma
thelma
velma
wilhelma
zelma
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you pronounce Selma?
IPA: /ˈsɛlmə/ ARPA: S EH1 L M AH0 This name has a moderate pronunciation difficulty.
How many syllables are in Selma?
Selma has 2 syllables.
Is Selma easy to pronounce?
Selma is relatively easy to pronounce for most English speakers. It doesn't contain uncommon sound combinations.
Is Selma easy to pronounce internationally?
Yes, Selma is extremely international-friendly (10/10). It uses sounds that are common across many languages and cultures, making it easy for people worldwide to pronounce.
What names are similar to Selma?
Names similar to Selma include: Selman, Selmer, Selmin, Selmir, Selmner. These names share similar sounds or roots.
Is Selma a good baby name?
Selma is a good baby name, particularly if you value names that are internationally friendly.
Is Selma a boy or girl name?
Selma can be used for any gender, though usage varies by culture and region. Check the rankings section to see gender distribution patterns.
How do you spell Selma?
The name is spelled Selma. Common spelling variations include: Selman, Selmer, Selmin.
What are common nicknames for Selma?
Common nicknames for Selma include: Sel, Selmy, Selie. Nicknames often develop naturally based on personal preference and family traditions.
What does the name Selma mean?
The meaning and origin of Selma can be found in the "Meaning & Origin" section above. Names often carry rich cultural, historical, and linguistic significance.
What middle names go well with Selma?
Middle names that pair well with Selma include: Elizabeth, Alexander, Benjamin. Consider the flow and rhythm when saying the full name aloud. Names with different syllable counts often create a pleasant cadence.
What sibling names pair well with Selma?
Sibling names that pair well with Selma include: Selman, Selmer, Selmin, Selmir. These names share similar origins, sounds, or cultural backgrounds, creating a cohesive family naming theme.
Will teachers be able to pronounce Selma?
Most teachers will be able to pronounce Selma correctly after hearing it once or twice. It's relatively phonetic and doesn't contain unusual sound combinations. You may need to provide pronunciation guidance at the start of each school year.
What culture is the name Selma from?
The cultural origin and etymology of Selma can be found in the "Meaning & Origin" section above. Many names have roots in multiple cultures and languages.
Is Selma suitable for a professional career?
Selma is well-suited for professional contexts. It's internationally friendly for global careers and appropriate length for business cards and email addresses. Names that are easy to say, spell, and remember often have advantages in career settings, though ultimately competence matters far more than name choice.
Is Selma a long or short name?
Selma is a short name with 5 letters (2 syllables). Short names are practical and easy to use in everyday contexts. They rarely need nicknames.
What are common misspellings of Selma?
Common spelling variations of Selma include: Selman, Selmer, Selmin. Always verify the correct spelling with the parent.
What's the difference between Selma and Selman?
Selma and Selman are related names that share similar origins or sounds. Selma is spelled Selma while Selman is spelled Selman. The choice between them often comes down to personal preference, cultural background, or family tradition.