Selma
Name meaning, origin, pronunciation, and popularity rankings
How to pronounce the name Selma
Pronunciation guide for 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
• Selma 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
DNA profile of the name Selma
Unique character and personality of the name 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 (15)
Short variations:
Sela
Selah
Selam
Medium variations:
Selman
Selmer
Selmin
Selmir
Selmner
Selmon
Selmore
Selamet
Selami
Long variations:
Selahattin
Selahittin
Selamawit
Selma belongs to a family of 30 related names.Showing 15 most common variations.
What does the name Selma mean?
The meaning and origin of Selma
Historical Reference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
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.
Notable People Named Selma
Famous individuals named Selma
No notable people named Selma are currently in our database.
Where is Selma popular?
Countries where Selma ranks in the top baby names
How popular is the name Selma?
Popularity rankings and trends for Selma around the world
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)
What words rhyme with the name Selma?
Rhyming words for Selma
anselma
aselma
delma
elma
helma
thelma
velma
wilhelma
zelma
Frequently Asked Questions
How popular is Selma in Bosnia and Herzegovina?
Selma is moderately popular in Bosnia and Herzegovina as of 2017, ranking at #63. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Selma in Denmark?
Selma is quite popular in Denmark as of 2011, ranking at #49. It ranks in the top 50 girls' names.
How popular is Selma in Finland?
Selma is quite popular in Finland as of 2017, ranking at #45. It ranks in the top 50 girls' names.
How popular is Selma in France?
Selma is somewhat popular in France as of 2018, ranking at #148. It ranks in the top 200 girls' names.
How popular is Selma in Netherlands?
Selma is used but uncommon in Netherlands as of 2019, ranking at #355. While it is used as a girls' name, it's relatively uncommon.
How popular is Selma in Norway?
Selma is quite popular in Norway as of 2018, ranking at #26. It ranks in the top 50 girls' names.
How popular is Selma in Sweden?
Selma is very popular in Sweden as of 2019, ranking at #12. It ranks in the top 20 girls' names.
How popular is Selma in Turkey?
Selma is moderately popular in Turkey as of 1995, ranking at #99. It ranks in the top 100 girls' names.
How popular is Selma in United States?
Selma is used but uncommon in United States as of 1956, ranking at #942. While it is used as a girls' name, it's relatively uncommon.
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 S-e-l-m-a. 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 name Selma has multiple meaningful interpretations. Primary meanings include "Selma n 1: a town in central Alabama on the Alabama river; in 1965 it was the center of a drive to register Black voters" and "selma rogue". This name carries significant cultural and historical weight, reflecting the traditions and values of the cultures from which it originates. The meaning of a name often influences how it is perceived and can hold special significance for families choosing this name for their child.
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?
Selma has a multicultural heritage, with potential roots in multiple linguistic and cultural traditions. Many names have complex etymological paths, being borrowed, adapted, and adopted across different cultures throughout history. This cultural journey often enriches the name with multiple layers of meaning and significance, reflecting the interconnected nature of human societies and their naming traditions.
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.