Sema (pronounced SEH-mah) is a Turkish female given name that means "sky" or "heaven" in Turkish. It is directly derived from the Turkish word sema, which itself originates from Arabic samāʾ (سماء), meaning "sky" or "heaven."Cultural and Spiritual SignificanceThe name's meaning evokes a sense of vastness, divinity, and celestial beauty. It also shares a phonetic and etymological connection with the Sufi ritual Sama (or Sema), a practice of listening to music, chanting, and whirling as a form of meditation and remembrance of God (dhikr). The Mevlevi order, founded by followers of the poet Rumi, is particularly known for its Sema ceremony, which was inscribed by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2005. Although the ritual is traditionally referred to as Sama, the spelling Sema is also common in Turkish contexts, and the name may subtly invoke this spiritual association for some.Notable BearersWhile the name Sema is not widely associated with internationally famous figures, it is used in Turkey and among Turkish communities abroad. Notable individuals include Sema Poyraz, a Turkish actress and model, and Sema Pekdaş, a Turkish politician and member of the Republican People's Party (CHP). The name has also been used in popular culture, such as in the Turkish television series Sema.Distribution and Related NamesSema is primarily used in Turkey and other regions with Turkic cultural influence. It is a feminine name, though its root word is gender-neutral in Turkish. A related male name is Sami (also derived from Arabic samāʾ), or Sema may sometimes serve as a short form of names like Sibel or Semiha. The name Samia (Arabic for "exalted, lofty") shares a similar semantic field.Meaning: "sky, heaven"Origin: Turkish (from Arabic)Type: Given name (female)Usage Regions: Turkey, Turkish diaspora