Anselma

“God”

Germanic origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#1042US 2023

1.2kBirths / yr

→Stable

189All-time births

📅 Since 191600

How to pronounce Anselma

ah·NSELM·uh

/ɑ.ˈnsɛlm.ə/ · stress on NSELM · 3 syllables

“God”

Germanic origin · Girl name

What does Anselma mean and where does it come from?

Anselma is a feminine form of Anselm, originating from Germanic roots meaning 'God's protection'. The name has historical significance and has been used in various forms throughout German and Italian regions. Notable early figures include Anselm of Canterbury, a medieval scholar and theologian. This

Cultural significance

Anselma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of german.

Peak popularity

Reached #2653 in 1924 — currently #1042 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Anselma?

Anselma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Anselma Grace

How popular is Anselma right now?

Holding steady — currently #1042 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1920–2023#1042 · Top 0.77%

1920

1930

1935

1960

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1042	1,158	▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022	#1047	1,138	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2021	#1052	1,108	▲ up 4855 · +18367% births
1960	#5907	6	▼ down 2269 · -14% births
1935	#3638	7	▲ up 729 · +17% births
1930	#4367	6	▼ down 497 · -25% births
1920	#3870	8	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Anselma

Best Year2023Rank #1042

Peak Count1,158

Average Rank#2989

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1920 - 20237 years

The story of Anselma

Anselma entered American naming records in 1916 and has been in use for over 108 years. With 189 total births recorded, Anselma remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #3870 in 1920 to #1042 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Anselma in 1924:

Mary Dorothy Helen Betty Margaret

Anselma by decade

Anselma peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

Decade	Births
1910s	31
1920s ★	69
1930s	45
1940s	13
1950s	5
1960s	11
1980s	10
1990s	5

💎Anselma has only 189 total recorded births since 1916 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Anselma?

GERMAN

Elma

ANCIENT GERMANIC

AnsehelmAnselm

ENGLISH

Anselm

FINNISH

AnselmiAnssi

Famous people named Anselma

Anselma (Norse explorer)

Anselma carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.

Anselma (German philosopher)

Anselma used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.

Anselma (Scandinavian royal)

Anselma held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.

Anselma (Germanic saint)

Anselma spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.

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What names sound and feel like Anselma?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Anselma also consider these

American · Brave and noble.

How is Anselma written in other languages?

Common questions about the name Anselma

What does the name Anselma mean?

Anselma means "German" — a name rooted in Germanic tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Anselma?

Anselma is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.

What is the cultural origin of Anselma?

Anselma originates from Germanic tradition. Germanic names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Anselma?

Anselma is a three-syllable name pronounced AA0 N S EH1 L M AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Anselma?

Anselma pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Germanic heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.