Alma
Alma is a girl's name of Latin origin.
Meaning
Nourishing, kind, soul, or young woman.
Origin and history
Alma is a classic feminine name derived from the Latin word for 'nourishing' or 'kind', famously used in the title 'Alma Mater'. It also has roots in Hebrew meaning 'young woman' and Spanish meaning 'soul'. It has been continuously used in the U.S. since records began in 1880, maintaining a steady and timeless presence.
Popularity in the United States
163,723 babies in the United States have been named Alma since 1880. It ranks #241 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #477.
States where it is most popular
- TX (12.5 %)
- CA (10.1 %)
- NC (4.8 %)
- PA (4.7 %)
- NY (4.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 5,190 |
| 1890-1900 | 11,184 |
| 1900-1910 | 13,092 |
| 1910-1920 | 27,515 |
| 1920-1930 | 30,434 |
| 1930-1940 | 18,251 |
| 1940-1950 | 12,401 |
| 1950-1960 | 9,637 |
| 1960-1970 | 6,382 |
| 1970-1980 | 5,592 |
| 1980-1990 | 5,688 |
| 1990-2000 | 6,030 |
| 2000-2010 | 4,553 |
| 2010-2019 | 3,965 |
| 2020-2029 | 3,809 |
Famous people named Alma
- Alma Mahler: composer, author
- Alma Thomas: painter, artist
- Alma Wahlberg: reality TV personality
Fun facts
- The term 'Alma Mater' originates from Latin meaning 'nourishing mother' and is widely used to refer to one's former school or university.
- The name gained significant literary popularity in the 19th century following Matthew Prior's poem 'Alma; or, The Progress of the Mind'.