Elma
Elma is a girl's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Will, helmet, or protection (Germanic); apple (Turkish).
Origin and history
Elma is a feminine given name with multiple distinct origins, most commonly derived as a short form of Wilhelmina or modern blend of Elizabeth and Mary in Western contexts, and meaning 'apple' in Turkish. It was relatively popular in the United States around the turn of the 20th century but is rarely used today. It offers a vintage, short alternative to names like Alma or Ella.
Popularity in the United States
21,703 babies in the United States have been named Elma since 1880. It ranks #1011 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1941.
States where it is most popular
- TX (14 %)
- NC (6.5 %)
- PA (6 %)
- LA (4.8 %)
- NY (4.3 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 643 |
| 1890-1900 | 1,355 |
| 1900-1910 | 1,940 |
| 1910-1920 | 4,802 |
| 1920-1930 | 4,990 |
| 1930-1940 | 2,793 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,810 |
| 1950-1960 | 1,139 |
| 1960-1970 | 654 |
| 1970-1980 | 329 |
| 1980-1990 | 196 |
| 1990-2000 | 183 |
| 2000-2010 | 411 |
| 2010-2019 | 298 |
| 2020-2029 | 160 |
Famous people named Elma
- Elma Lewis: Arts Educator, Civil Rights Activist
- Elma Farnsworth: Inventor Assistant, Memoirist
Fun facts
- Elma was most commonly given to American girls in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
- While it functions as a short form of Germanic names in Europe, Elma directly translates to 'apple' in Turkish.