Selma
Selma is a feminine name with Germanic and Arabic roots. In Germanic tradition, it derives from ‘Anselma’, meaning ‘protected by God’. In Arabic, it is linked to ‘Salma’, from ‘salam’, meaning ‘peace’ or ‘safety’. The name gained literary recognition in Scandinavia and is also popular in Arabic-speaking countries.
Popularity of the name Selma in different countries
- Selma In the United States, Selma is more widely recognized as the name of a city in Alabama, a symbol of the civil rights movement.
- Selma In Sweden and Norway, Selma became popular due to the influence of Nobel Prize-winning author Selma Lagerlöf.
- Selma In Turkey and Arab countries, Selma is common as it relates to 'Salma', meaning peace.
- Selma In Latin America, Selma is rare but present due to cultural and linguistic ties to Arabic and European influences.
- Selma In Central Europe, the name appears sporadically but often with literary or artistic associations.
Variants and similar names to Selma
- Salma (Arabic)
- Anselma (Germanic)
- Selima (Arabic/Turkish)
- Zelma (English/European)
- Salima (Arabic)
Famous characters named Selma
Books
- Selma – Selma A romantic and poetic heroine in Nordic literature.
- Selma Jezková – Dancer in the Dark (novelization) A Czech immigrant in the US who struggles with blindness while protecting her son.
- Selma – La sombra de Selma A symbolic character embodying fragility and memory.
- Selma – Fairy Tales of Selma Lagerlöf Appears in different stories of morality and fantasy.
Anime
- Selma – Monster Rancher A supporting trainer character in the monster world.
- Selma – Romeo x Juliet A loyal servant of the Capulet family.
Movies
- Selma Jezková – Dancer in the Dark A tragic heroine played by Björk, sacrificing everything for her son.
- Selma – Selma The film centers on the Selma marches, using the city’s name symbolically.
TVSeries
- Selma Bouvier – The Simpsons Marge Simpson’s sister, known for her sarcasm and unlucky love life.
- Selma Green – Boardwalk Empire A minor character tied to the organized crime storyline.
Videogames
- Selma – The Whispered World A side character aiding the protagonist in a fantasy world.
- Selma Bouvier – The Simpsons: Hit & Run A secondary character in the Simpsons universe.
- Selma – Shadow Hearts A mystical supporting character in the RPG storyline.
- Selma – Baten Kaitos Origins NPC helping in secondary quests.
- Selma – Monster Rancher Appears as a trainer in the monster-raising series.
