Selim

♂ Boy

Pronounced seh-LEEM /sɛˈliːm/High

Meaning: safe, peaceful, soundHigh

In 30 seconds: Selim is a Turkish and Arabic name meaning safe, peaceful, or sound. A dignified two-syllable name borne by several Ottoman sultans.

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Origin HighArabic, Turkish

Meaningsafe, peaceful, sound

U.S. rank (2025)#2638 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births50 boys (0.00% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2017

Total births (all-time)≈ 1,023

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Selim derives from Arabic salim meaning safe, peaceful, sound, and perfect. It is the Turkish form of the Arabic Salim.

Selim is widely used in Turkey, the Arab world, and Muslim communities worldwide.

Did you know? Three Ottoman sultans bore the name Selim — most notably Selim I (1470–1520) who tripled the size of the Ottoman Empire, making Selim synonymous with imperial ambition.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name: Selim — name etymology referenceUS Social Security Name Database — U.S. popularity data

Variations

SalimSelem

Nicknames

Sel

Famous Bearers

★Selim I (1470–1520)
Ottoman Sultan (r. 1512–1520) who greatly expanded the empire by conquering the Mamluk Sultanate of Egypt and the Levant.

If you like Selim…

Salim— direct Arabic form of same name

Tariq— similar classical Arabic masculine name

Khalid— similar classical Arabic masculine name

Omar— similar short Arabic name of similar heritage

Explore names like Selim

By themearabic two-syllable turkish peaceful ottoman

By meaningPeace

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Frequently Asked

What does Selim mean?

Selim means safe, peaceful, sound.

How do you pronounce Selim?

Selim is pronounced seh-LEEM (/sɛˈliːm/), with 2 syllables.

Is Selim a boy's name?

Yes, Selim is used as a boy's name.

How popular is the name Selim?

Arabic/Turkish; peaceful meaning firmly established via salim.