Declining since 1997, #13,208 for girls today.
Popularity of Sulema since 1916
Babies named Sulema per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 18 |
| 1920s | 79 |
| 1930s | 111 |
| 1940s | 201 |
| 1950s | 211 |
| 1960s | 219 |
| 1970s | 218 |
| 1980s | 216 |
| 1990s | 360 |
| 2000s | 237 |
| 2010s | 106 |
| 2020s | 32 |
Meaning & origin
Sulema is a rare and graceful name with roots in both Spanish and Arabic cultures. First recorded in the United States in 1916, its peak popularity came in 1996, when it was given to more babies than in any other year on record. Since 1997 the name has been in steady decline, reflecting broader trends away from once-favored but now uncommon choices. Despite its low frequency overall, Sulema retains a poetic quality and tangible multicultural heritage, appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name with a soft sound and a potential link to two major linguistic traditions.
Sulema is a name of debated origin. It may be a Spanish feminine form of Solomon, itself from Hebrew Shelomoh, meaning 'peace'. Alternatively, it could be derived from the Arabic root salama, connoting safety and well-being, related to names like Salma and Selma. The name has been used in Spanish-speaking communities and occasionally in the United States since the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Suli, Lema
Sibling names for Sulema
Names that share Sulema's style, for a brother or sister.
