Boy name
Selim name meaning
“sound, unharmed; free from defect”
Selim means sound, unharmed, or free from defect. It comes from Arabic salīm, a word expressing intactness and well-being, and is used for boys in Türkiye. A historical association is the Ottoman ruler known as Yavuz Sultan Selim, who also wrote poetry under the pen name Selimî.
- Gender
- ♂ Boy
- Origin
- Arabic
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity
- In TÜİK lists
What does Selim mean?
Sound, unharmed; free from defect
In Turkish: sağlam, esen; kusurdan uzak
Selim developed from a word describing something sound or unharmed. Turkish preserves it in expressions such as aklıselim, “sound judgement,” and kalbiselim. Its Arabic adjective occurs in the Quran’s expression for a sound heart, while Ottoman sultans Selim I, II and III provide historical associations.
How popular is Selim?
Official figures: TÜİK newborn name lists (2018–2025, the top 30 for Türkiye and each of the 81 provinces every year) and the most common names in the population.
- Province lists
- 61provinces
Where is Selim in the top 30?
61 provinces · the latest year each province listed it
Double names with Selim
Double names counted as one name in TÜİK newborn lists (all years and provinces combined).
Source: TurkStat (TÜİK), Address-Based Population Registration System. The lists cover the top 30 names per year, sex and province; no official counts are published for less common names. All statistics →
Why is Selim popular?
Selim combines meanings of soundness and well-being with a historical association through Ottoman sultans who bore the name. Its two-syllable sound flows easily; it remained outside the supplied national newborn top 30.
Origin of the name Selim
Selim comes from Arabic salīm, “sound, unharmed.” It belongs to the s-l-m root family associated with safety and wholeness.
| Linguistic origin | Arabic |
|---|---|
| Naming tradition | Islamic |
| In Islamic history | Names found in the Quran |
| In Turkic history and myth | Names of Turkic rulers |
| Is Selim in the Quran? | As a word · سليم · 26:89, 37:84The source word salīm occurs in the Quran as an adjective describing a sound or pure heart. |
| Starts with | S · Se |
Names are shared across communities. Where a name is common says nothing certain about any one person’s background, faith or origin.
Double names with Selim
Double-name ideas built from names in our dictionary, with the meaning of each name.
-
Selim Gazi
Meaning of each name
- Selim: sound, unharmed; free from defect
- Gazi: war veteran; warrior in a ghaza
-
Gıyasettin Selim
Meaning of each name
- Gıyasettin: helper of the faith; support of religion
- Selim: sound, unharmed; free from defect
-
Selim Şahap
Meaning of each name
- Selim: sound, unharmed; free from defect
- Şahap: bright flame; a meteor's light, shooting star
-
Emrullah Selim
Meaning of each name
- Emrullah: God's command or decree
- Selim: sound, unharmed; free from defect
-
Selim Haşim
Meaning of each name
- Selim: sound, unharmed; free from defect
- Haşim: one who breaks or crumbles bread
-
Kamer Selim
Meaning of each name
- Kamer: moon; moonlight
- Selim: sound, unharmed; free from defect
Double names found in TÜİK’s newborn lists: Yavuz Selim, Mehmet Selim, Ahmet Selim, Muhammed Selim, Fatih Selim, Yusuf Selim.
How to pronounce Selim
| Syllables | 2 · 5 letters · 5-letter boy names |
|---|---|
| IPA | /selim/ |
| Ottoman Turkish | سلیم |
| Arabic | سليم |
Is Selim a boy’s name?
Yes, Selim is used mostly as a boy’s name. See all boy names.
Selim appears in TÜİK’s most-used name lists. See the statistics section above (Source: TurkStat, ADNKS).
Spellings and similar names
Names that sound like Selim
Names with related meanings
- Süleyman♂A name associated with peace and well-being
- Barış♂Peace, reconciliation, and harmony
- Sefa♂Ease of mind
- Rıza♂Consent
- Aram♂Calm, peaceful, tranquil
- Kâzım♂One who restrains anger
- Hilmi♂Relating to forbearance and gentleness
- Salim♂Healthy, safe, unharmed
- Selman♂Safe, sound, unharmed
- Tekin♂Prince
- Nuh♂Rest, repose
- Selami♂Relating to greetings, peace or well-being
Famous people named Selim
- Selim Yaşar · b. 1990
- Selim Bayraktar · b. 1975
- Selim Tataroğlu · b. 1972
- Selim Aydemir · b. 1990
- Selim Teber · b. 1981
- Selim Ay · b. 1991
- Selim Rauf Sarper · b. 1899
- Selim İleri · b. 1949
- Selim Sesler · b. 1957
- Selim Çürükkaya · b. 1954
- Selim Gündüz · b. 1994
- Selim Palyani · b. 1976
FAQ about the name Selim
What is the meaning of Selim?
Selim means “sound, unharmed; free from defect”. Selim comes from Arabic salīm, “sound, unharmed.” It belongs to the s-l-m root family associated with safety and wholeness.
Is Selim a boy’s name?
Yes, Selim is used mostly as a boy’s name.
Is Selim in the Quran?
As a word. The source word salīm occurs in the Quran as an adjective describing a sound or pure heart. (e.g.: 26:89, 37:84)
What is the origin of the name Selim?
Selim is of Arabic origin.
How many syllables does Selim have?
Selim has 2 syllables and 5 letters.
How popular is the name Selim?
Selim appears in TÜİK’s most-used name lists. See the statistics section above (Source: TurkStat, ADNKS).
What names go well with Selim?
Some ideas: Selim Gazi; Gıyasettin Selim; Selim Şahap.
Famous people named Selim?
Notable people named Selim include Selim Yaşar, Selim Bayraktar, Selim Tataroğlu.
Sources and method
Meanings and origins draw on language sources and name dictionaries; popularity figures come from TÜİK’s address-based population register, and notable people from Wikidata.
Entry ID: nm00305 · Updated 2026-10-24 · How we research names · Report a mistake