Meaning & History
Etymology and Origins
Selma is a feminine given name that is used across numerous European languages, including Danish, Dutch, English, German, Icelandic, Norwegian, and Swedish. Its exact meaning is unknown, but it is believed to possibly be a short form of Anselma, the feminine form of Anselm. Anselm itself derives from the Old Germanic elements ansi meaning "god" and helm meaning "helmet, protection." Therefore, through this connection, Selma can be interpreted as carrying connotations of divine protection, though this etymology is by no means certain.
Another theory suggests that the name may have been inspired by the works of the 18th-century Scottish poet James Macpherson. In his Ossianic poems—epics purportedly translated from ancient Gaelic sources—Selma is the name of Ossian's castle, a place of folklore and romantic legend. This literary connection contributed to the name's popularity during the Romantic period, particularly in Scandinavia and Germanic regions.
Notable Bearers
Several notable figures have borne the name Selma. Selma Lagerlöf (1858–1940) was a celebrated Swedish author and the first woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature (1909), known for works such as The Wonderful Adventures of Nils. Selma Blair (born 1972) is an American actress best known for her roles in films like Cruel Intentions and Legally Blonde. Selma Diamond (1920–1985) was a Canadian-American actress and writer, famed for her role as Selma in the television series Night Court. Additionally, Selma Jeanne Cohen (1920–2005) was a pioneering American dance historian.
Cultural Significance
In popular culture, the name appears in the 2014 historical drama Selma, which chronicles the 1965 Selma to Montgomery civil rights marches in Alabama, though the city's name derives from the Ossianic source rather than the given name directly. The name has experienced varying levels of popularity; it saw a resurgence in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has maintained a steady presence in many countries.
Variants
A variant of Selma is Zelma, used predominantly in English.
- Meaning: Possibly "divine protection" (via Anselma), or derived from literary sources
- Origin: Uncertain, possibly Germanic or literary
- Type: Feminine given name
- Usage: Danish, Dutch, English, German, Icelandic, Norwegian, Swedish