Salma
From the root s-l-m, 'safety, soundness' — the feminine of aslam, one who is safe and whole.
- Root
- s-l-m (س-ل-م)
- Gender
- Female
- Meaning
- Safe, sound, unharmed
- Origin
- Arabic
Meaning and root
From s-l-m (س-ل-م), the root of *salām* ('peace'), *salāma* ('safety') and *islām*. *Salmā* is its feminine elative form: safe, sound, free of harm.
Antiquity
Salmā is heavily attested in pre-Islamic poetry, where it is among the conventional names for the beloved — so much so that it functions almost as a poetic type. Sulaymā, its diminutive, appears the same way.
Usage
In continuous use across the Arab world.
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Salma mean?
Safe and sound, free of harm — from the root s-l-m, the root of salām, 'peace'.
Sources
- ابن منظور، لسان العرب، 711هـ — مادة: سلم
Last reviewed: 2026-07-27