The name Selma is of Germanic origin and has Old High German roots. It's derived from the word "selm," which means "lion" or "grey-haired." The name was brought to England by the Normans, where it evolved into the modern form "Selma." The name became popular in English-speaking countries during the Middle Ages and has remained a common given name ever since.
The name Selma is of Germanic origin, derived from the Old High German "Selima," which means "dwelling place of the Goddess Sunna." In Norse mythology, Sunna is the goddess of the sun and fertility, making Selma a name rich in celestial and agricultural symbolism. The name was popularized in Europe during the Middle Ages, particularly in Germany and Scandinavia. The name Selma saw a resurgence in popularity during the Victorian era in England, where it became associated with the strong-willed heroine Selima from Walter Scott's novel "The Betrothed." Today, Selma remains a beloved name for newborn girls, admired for its rich history and timeless elegance.
Selma is often characterized by intelligence, determination, and empathy. She demonstrates strong leadership qualities, taking charge when situations require decisive action, yet remains compassionate and understanding. Her patience is remarkable, allowing her to listen intently and offer thoughtful advice. Selma also values fairness and equality, making her an advocate for justice and human rights. Despite facing challenges, she exhibits resilience and tenacity, refusing to back down in the pursuit of her goals. Selma's strong personality and caring nature make her a respected and admired individual among her peers.
The first name Selma is of moderate popularity globally. In the United States, it has seen a decline in usage over the years but remains somewhat common among certain ethnic groups, particularly those with German or Scandinavian heritage. The name peaked in popularity in the United States during the 1920s and 30s. In Europe, Selma is more commonly used, especially in countries like Germany, Finland, Norway, and Sweden. In these regions, it is often a favorite choice for parents seeking a strong and elegant name for their daughters. Overall, while not among the most popular names globally, Selma is a name with a rich history and cultural significance that continues to resonate in certain circles.
Selma is a name associated with prominent figures in various fields. In cinema, Selma Blair is an American actress best known for her roles in films such as "Cruel Intentions" and "The Sweetest Thing." In music, Selma Plath, also known as Selma Yagmur, is a Turkish singer-songwriter who gained recognition with her debut album "Bir Şeyler Düşündüm." Politically, Selma Yağmur-James was the first Muslim woman to be elected to the Tennessee General Assembly in the United States. In sports, Selma Meyerhoff was a pioneering female tennis player from Sweden who competed in the 1900 Summer Olympics. Lastly, Selma Lagerlöf was a Swedish writer and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature for her novel "The Wonderful Adventures of Nils." Each of these women has made significant contributions in their respective fields.
The name Selma originates from Germanic roots and has several variations across different cultures and languages. In English, it is commonly spelled as Selma, but it can also appear as Selme or Selmia. In the Nordic countries, the name is often written as Sylva, Silvia, or Sylvia. In Spanish, it may be Selma, Selmah, or Zelia. The name can be found in various forms in other languages too, such as Selmah (Hebrew), Selmie (Armenian), and Selima (Slavic). Despite these variations, the name Selma generally means "lioness" or "defender," reflecting its strong and powerful connotations.
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forenames > sel-on
The name Selon has origins in the French language. It is derived from the French word "sel" which means "salt" in English.
forenames > selaa
The origin of the first name "Selaa" is Hebrew. It is derived from the Hebrew word "selah," which is often used in the Book of Psalms in the Bible and is believed to mean "pause" o...
forenames > selassie
Selassie is a name of Ethiopian origin, derived from the Ethiopian noble title "Nəgusä Nägäst" which means "King of Kings". It is most commonly associated with Haile Selassie, ...
forenames > selastina
The name Selastina is of Latin origin. It is derived from the name Celestine, which means "heavenly" or "of the sky." It was traditionally used as a female name in Roman Catholic c...
forenames > selauddin
The first name Selauddin originates from Arabic. It is a combination of "Selah," meaning peace, and "al-Din," meaning of the faith or religion. Together, the name can be interprete...
forenames > selavi
The name "Selavi" has its origin in Turkish and means "whatever will be, will be." It is typically used as a unisex name.
forenames > selebrity
The name "Selebrity" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It appears to be a unique or invented name.
forenames > selected
The first name "Selected" likely originated from the English language, stemming from the word "select," which means to carefully choose or pick out from a group.
forenames > seleigha
The name Seleigha has uncertain origins and is not commonly found in traditional etymology sources. It appears to be a modern or unique variation of the name Selena or a combinatio...
forenames > selen
The given name Selen is derived from the Greek word "Sélēne," which means "moon." It is a unisex name but is more commonly used for females in Western cultures. In Greek mytholog...
forenames > selenay
Selenay is a variant of Selena, which is primarily of Greek origin. The name Selena is derived from the Greek word "Selene," meaning "moon." This name was borne by several prominen...
forenames > selenia
The first name Selenia is believed to have originated from the Greek word "Selene," which means "moon" in English. In Greek mythology, Selene was the goddess of the moon. The name ...
forenames > selesh
The origin of the first name "Selesh" is unclear. The name does not have a well-documented history or strong cultural associations.
forenames > selessia
The name Selessia does not appear to have a well-known origin or meaning. It may be a unique or uncommon name without a specific linguistic or cultural background.
forenames > selfvie
The name "Selfvie" does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It is possible that it is a unique or rare name with no specific cultural or historical backgroun...