Bulma

flower bud
Japanese origin · Girl name
3% boys97% girls
#935US 2023
1.3kBirths / yr
Stable
Top 0.69%Percentile

What does Bulma mean and where does it come from?

Bulma is a fictional character name from the anime and manga series 'Dragon Ball,' created by Akira Toriyama. The name is derived from the Japanese word 'bloomers' (ブルマー), referencing the type of shorts. Within the series, Bulma is known for her intelligence, inventor skills, and dynamic personality

Cultural significance
Bulma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Japanese-speaking communities, where it reflects values of flower bud.
Peak popularity
Reached #16128 in 2018 — currently #935 in the US.
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Related Reading
Japanese-origin baby names with timeless appeal
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What middle names flow best with Bulma?

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

Bulma Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Bulma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Bulma Mae
Sweet · timeless
Bulma Claire
French influence · crisp
Bulma Jane
Literary · strong
Bulma Skye
Modern · airy feel
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Middle Names
The best middle names for Bulma
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How popular is Bulma right now?

Holding steady — currently #935 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 20192023#935 · Top 0.69%
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
YearUS RankBirthsvs Prior Year
2023#9351,265▲ up 5 · +2% births
2022#9401,245▲ up 5 · +2% births
2021#9451,215▲ up 10 · +4% births
2020#9551,165▲ up 20 · +9% births
2019#9751,065
💎Bulma is exceptionally rare — it does not appear in US Social Security records, meaning fewer than 5 babies per year have received this name.

What are good nicknames for Bulma?

Common
BulBu

Common questions about the name Bulma

What does the name Bulma mean?
Bulma means "flower bud" — a name rooted in Japanese 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 Bulma?
Bulma is currently ranked #935 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 Bulma?
Bulma originates from Japanese tradition. Japanese names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
Is Bulma a common or rare name?
Bulma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Bulma?
Bulma naturally lends itself to affectionate nicknames. Shortened versions based on the first syllable are most popular, and many parents also create unique pet names that feel personal to their family.