Rising since 1985, #4,758 for girls today.
Popularity of Salwa since 1961
Babies named Salwa per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 2017, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Salwa's real moment was 2023.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1960s | 6 |
| 1970s | 33 |
| 1980s | 60 |
| 1990s | 127 |
| 2000s | 174 |
| 2010s | 291 |
| 2020s | 192 |
Meaning & origin
Salwa is an Arabic name that carries a peaceful meaning of 'solace' or 'consolation,' though it also appears in the Quran as a term for a type of quail or celestial food. In the United States, the name has shown a steady upward trajectory since 1985, with its highest rank achieved in 2023. According to Social Security data, Salwa was first recorded in 1961 and by 2025 reached rank 4,758, with an estimated 1 in 57,402 newborn girls receiving the name. Its strongest presence is in Minnesota, reflecting the name's appeal within the state's Arab-American community. Salwa remains a distinctive choice that blends religious resonance with a gentle sound, appealing to families seeking a name with cultural depth and a serene meaning.
Salwa is an Arabic name found in the Quran as a word meaning 'quail' or a type of heavenly food, though its more common meaning is 'solace' or 'consolation.' It has been used as a given name across the Arabic-speaking world for centuries, particularly in Egypt and the Levant. The name has a soft, lyrical sound that remains popular in many Muslim-majority countries.
Where Salwa is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state, 2025. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Salwa” around the world
Where Salwa lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
25
babies in 2024
Sources: INSEE (France).
Nicknames & variants
Variants: Salwah, Salwaa
Sibling names for Salwa
Names that share Salwa's style, for a brother or sister.
