MallowbyNames

Suleyma

soo-LAY-mah · Of debated origin; possibly a feminine form of Suleiman, meaning 'peaceful' or 'man of peace' in Arabic, or a variant of the Spanish name Zulema.

2025 rank (girls)
#13,208
Babies named in 2025
6
Peak popularity
1990
2025 frequency
1 in 267,878 girls
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady, #13,208 for girls today.

Popularity of Suleyma since 1989

Babies named Suleyma per year in U.S. Social Security records.

917261990200020102020Most births 1990Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1980s5
1990s188
2000s104
2010s47
2020s31

Meaning & origin

Suleyma is a name of likely Arabic origin, first recorded in the United States for girls in 1989. It peaked in popularity in 1990, though usage has remained stable since then. With a current rank of 13,208 (as of 2025), it is a rare but recognizable name, occurring in about 1 in every 267,878 births. Its top state usage data is not available, but it is most common among Hispanic communities. The name may be a feminine form of Suleiman or a variant of Zulema, both rooted in the Arabic word for peace. Its multi-syllabic sound and exotic feel make it a distinctive choice for families seeking a name with cultural depth.

Suleyma is likely a feminine variant of the Arabic name Suleiman, which derives from the Semitic root s-l-m, signifying peace. It may also be a form of Zulema, a name of Arabic origin that entered Spanish usage. The name has seen modest use among Hispanic families, particularly in the United States since the late 20th century.

Nicknames & variants

Variants: Zuleyma, Zulema, Sulema

Sibling names for Suleyma

Names that share Suleyma's style, for a brother or sister.

Sisters: Zara, Layla, Nadia, Amina, Samira

Brothers: Suleiman, Omar, Amir, Rayan, Yusuf

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

S is for Suleyma, our favorite little girl.

S is for Suleyma…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Suleyma's letter becomes Suleyma's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Suleyma's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Suleyma mean?
Suleyma is believed to mean 'peaceful' or 'man of peace', derived from the Arabic root s-l-m, or may be a variant of Zulema.
How popular is the name Suleyma?
As of 2025, Suleyma ranked 13,208 in the United States, with about 1 in 267,878 girls receiving the name. Its peak usage was in 1990.
Is Suleyma a boy or girl name?
Suleyma is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.