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Salma

Girl name · 63 babies recorded · 1974–2025

Salma: 63 babies born in Scotland since 1974, given to girls, peaking at 6 births in 2007.

Of Arabic origin, Salma means "peaceful" or "safe," stemming from the root word *salaama*. It also appears as a feminine variant of the Hebrew name Salome, sharing a similar sense of peace. The most famous bearer is the Mexican-American actress and producer Salma Hayek, whose acclaimed performances have made the name widely recognised internationally. While no major places share the name directly, its root appears in the Arabic greeting "salaam." A notable variant is Selma, which has both Turkish and Norse origins—the latter linked to the Gaelic word for "fair mountain." In Scotland, Salma has grown steadily in use since the 1990s, reflecting the country's increasing cultural diversity.