By Genomelink

Create Your Family Tree Map

SIGN UP

Selma First Name Meaning

Selma is a female name of English origin, meaning "God's Helmet." It has ambiguous origins, possibly stemming from the Arabic name Selim, meaning "peaceful," or having Celtic roots, where it signifies "beautiful view." The name gained popularity in Germany and Scandinavia from Ossianic poetry and the works of authors like Frans Michael Franzén and Selma Lagerlöf. In Sweden, it has seen a resurgence in popularity since the 1990s and ranked 16th for female infants in 2017 and 2018. Notable individuals bearing the name include Selma Blair, an American actress, and Selma Lagerlöf, a renowned Swedish author. The name has also been used for fictional characters, such as Selma Bouvier in The Simpsons and Selma Jezková in the film Dancer in the Dark. Selma carries a rich history and diverse cultural influences, making it a name of significance and depth.

Sources: Wikipedia, available at https://www.wikipedia.org | BabyNames.com, available at https://www.babynames.com

How popular Selma first name? (2000 - Now)

Historical popularity of Selma first name (1880 - Now)

Sources: Social Security Administration, available at https://www.ssa.gov/OACT/babynames/



Famous people with Selma first name

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Selma Blair

Selma Blair

Selma Blair, born on June 23, 1972, is a renowned American actress known for her roles in popular films such as Cruel Intentions, Legally Blonde, and The Sweetest Thing, as well as for her involvement in the Hellboy franchise. Hailing from Southfield, Michigan, Blair emerged from a legal and political background, with both of her parents being lawyers, and her father actively engaged in the U.S. Democratic Party. Her upbringing was predominantly Jewish, and she formally converted to Judaism at a young age. Despite initially pursuing photography at Kalamazoo College, Blair eventually delved into acting, graduating from the University of Michigan. Her early career was marked by numerous auditions before achieving breakthrough success in projects like Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde. In 2018, Blair was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), which has led her to become an advocate for those with the condition. She starred in the documentary "Introducing, Selma Blair" in 2021, and released her autobiography, "Mean Baby: A Memoir of Growing Up," in 2022. Throughout her career, she has continued to captivate audiences with her talent and resilience.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Selma to Montgomery marches
Selma to Montgomery marches

The Selma to Montgomery marches were a series of three protest marches in 1965, covering 54 miles from Selma, Alabama, to Montgomery. Organized by nonviolent activists, the marches aimed to highlight the desire of African-American citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote, despite segregationist repression. These marches were part of the broader voting rights movement in Selma and the American South. They played a crucial role in the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, a significant federal achievement of the civil rights movement. The initial voter registration drive in 1963 failed due to harassment and arrests of organizers and those wishing to register. The marches led to "Bloody Sunday" and the murder of a civil rights activist, fueling a national outcry. President Lyndon B. Johnson seized the opportunity and enacted the Voting Rights Act, removing obstacles for Blacks to register en masse. The march route is now designated as the Selma to Montgomery National Historic Trail. The Selma movement aimed to address racial injustice and the disenfranchisement of African Americans, ultimately leading to significant legislative change.The Selma to Montgomery marches were a pivotal moment in the civil rights movement, bringing national and international attention to the struggle for voting rights and racial equality. These marches, organized by nonviolent activists, emphasized the desire of African-American citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote, despite facing segregationist repression in the American South. The marches ultimately contributed to the passage of the Voting Rights Act

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Selma Diamond
Selma Diamond

Selma Diamond (August 5, 1920 – May 13, 1985) was a Canadian-born American comedian, actress, and writer, renowned for her distinctive raspy voice and memorable performances. She gained recognition for her portrayal of Selma Hacker on the NBC television comedy series Night Court and served as the inspiration for the character of Sally Rogers on The Dick Van Dyke Show. Diamond's career began with publishing cartoons and humor essays in The New Yorker before transitioning to radio and television. She wrote for various shows, including The Big Show, Your Show of Shows, and The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson. Additionally, she made notable film appearances, such as in It's a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World and All of Me. Diamond also showcased her talent as an actress in theater productions and on TV. Despite her multifaceted career, Diamond tragically passed away from lung cancer at the age of 64. Her legacy lives on through her impactful contributions to the entertainment industry.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Selma Stern
Selma Stern

Selma Stern-Täubler (1890-1981) was a pioneering female historian in Germany and a prolific author renowned for her magnum opus, "The Prussian State and the Jews." Born into an upper-middle-class Jewish family in Kippenheim, Germany, Stern pursued her passion for history, philosophy, and philology at top universities, eventually becoming one of the first women to establish herself as a professional historian in Germany.Despite the challenges she faced during the tumultuous times of Nazi Germany, Stern's dedication to her work remained unwavering. Her groundbreaking seven-volume work, "The Prussian State and the Jews," stands as a testament to her enduring legacy. This comprehensive study delves into the complex historical relationship between Jewry and the Prussian state, covering a wide array of topics such as quotas of Jews, bank ownership, and the activities of prominent court Jews during and after the Seven Years' War.Stern's remarkable journey took her from Germany to England and eventually to the United States, where she continued her scholarly pursuits and left an indelible mark on the field of German-Jewish history. Her impactful contributions and unwavering determination have solidified her status as a trailblazer in the realm of historical scholarship.

YourRoots Map_First Name Meaning_Famous People_Selma Meyer
Selma Meyer

Selma Meyer, born on July 6, 1890, in Amsterdam, was a Dutch pacifist, feminist, and resistance fighter. She was raised in a Jewish family and became involved in social activities from an early age. In her working life, Meyer co-owned the Holland Typing Office, providing typing and copy services, and was dedicated to promoting peace and supporting refugees. She was an active member of the Pacifist Women's League and engaged in relief efforts for young German refugees and victims of the Spanish Civil War. Meyer's anti-fascist activities led to her being listed on the 'Sonderfahndungsliste' by the German military-intelligence service. Despite facing illness and personal danger, she joined the Dutch resistance during World War II, was arrested in 1940, and tragically passed away in Berlin in 1941. Her inspiring story has been documented in the book "Van Vrouwen, Vrede en Verzet" by Bart de Cort. Selma Meyer's legacy continues to be honored for her courageous efforts in the fight against oppression and for peace.

All images displayed on this page are sourced from Wikipedia or Wikimedia Commons.We use these images under their respective Creative Commons or public domain licenses. Wherever applicable, author attributions and license information are provided. If you believe an image is used incorrectly or outside its license terms, please contact us so that we can review and correct the issue.