Elma
“elm tree”
English origin · originated from the Old Germanic word for 'elm tree'
#808US 2023
1.4kBirths / yr
→Stable
22kAll-time births
📅 Since 188000.08% of births at peak
How to pronounce Elma
ELM·uh
/ˈɛlm.ə/ · stress on ELM · 2 syllables
“elm tree”
English origin · Unisex name
What does Elma mean and where does it come from?
The name Elma is believed to have originated from the Old Germanic word for 'elm tree'. It has been used as both a first name and a surname. In Spanish, Elma can mean 'soul,' adding to its depth. It saw popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and has been carried by various figures in l
Cultural significance
Elma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of elm tree.
Peak popularity
Reached #209 in 1901 — currently #808 in the US.
What middle names flow best with Elma?
Elma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Elma Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Elma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Elma Mae
Sweet · timeless
Elma Claire
French influence · crisp
Elma Jane
Literary · strong
Elma Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Elma right now?
Holding steady — currently #808 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
The story of Elma
Elma has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. A total of 22,035 babies have received this name. Once ranked #297 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #808 in 2023. Elma is used for both genders: 98% female and 2% male.
Names that peaked alongside Elma in 1901:
Elma by decade
Elma peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 643 | |
| 1890s | 1,361 | |
| 1900s | 1,945 | |
| 1910s | 4,917 | |
| 1920s ★ | 5,161 | |
| 1930s | 2,891 | |
| 1940s | 1,877 | |
| 1950s | 1,159 | |
| 1960s | 656 | |
| 1970s | 329 | |
| 1980s | 196 | |
| 1990s | 181 | |
| 2000s | 405 | |
| 2010s | 296 | |
| 2020s | 18 |
What names sound and feel like Elma?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Elma also consider these
Ella
English-speaking countries · fairy maiden
Elva
English-speaking countries · Old English
Delma
English-speaking countries · the altar; from
Zelma
English-speaking countries · Blessed
Erma
English-speaking countries · Whole,
Emma
Germanic · Originally a short
Melma
American · A modern feminine
Welma
American · Germanic
How is Elma written in other languages?
Gender variants of Elma
Ansehelm ANCIENT GERMANICAnselm ANCIENT GERMANICWilhelm ANCIENT GERMANICWillahelm ANCIENT GERMANICGwilherm BRETONGuillem CATALANVilim CROATIANVilko CROATIANVilém CZECHVilhelm DANISHJelle DUTCHPim DUTCHWil DUTCHWilhelmus DUTCHWillem DUTCHWilly DUTCHWim DUTCHAnselm ENGLISHBill ENGLISHBillie ENGLISHBilly ENGLISHLiam ENGLISHWil ENGLISHWill ENGLISHWilliam ENGLISHWillie ENGLISHWilly ENGLISHVilĉjo ESPERANTOVilhelmo ESPERANTOVillem ESTONIANAnselmi FINNISHAnssi FINNISHJami FINNISHVilhelm FINNISHVilhelmi FINNISHVilho FINNISHVili FINNISHViljami FINNISHViljo FINNISHVille FINNISHAnselme FRENCHGuillaume FRENCHAnselm GERMANWilhelm GERMANWilli GERMANWilly GERMANWim GERMANVili HUNGARIANVilmos HUNGARIANVilhjálmur ICELANDICLiam IRISHUilleag IRISHUilliam IRISHUlick IRISHAnselmo ITALIANGuglielmo ITALIANVilhelms LATVIANVilis LATVIANWöllem LIMBURGISHWullem LIMBURGISHWum LIMBURGISHVilhelmas LITHUANIANIlliam MANXWiremu MAORIWilkin MEDIEVAL ENGLISHWilky MEDIEVAL ENGLISHWilmot MEDIEVAL ENGLISHVilhelm NORWEGIANWilhelm POLISHAnselmo PORTUGUESEGuilherme PORTUGUESEUilleam SCOTTISHViliam SLOVAKVili SLOVENEViljem SLOVENEVilko SLOVENEAnselmo SPANISHGuillermo SPANISHVilhelm SWEDISHVille SWEDISHGwil WELSHGwilim WELSHGwillym WELSHGwilym WELSHSelma DANISHSelma DUTCHAnsel ENGLISHLiam ENGLISHSelma ENGLISHVelma ENGLISHWilkie ENGLISHWillis ENGLISHWilson ENGLISHZelma ENGLISHSelma GERMANSelma ICELANDICSelma NORWEGIANSelma SWEDISH
Common questions about the name Elma
What does the name Elma mean?
Elma means "elm tree" — a name rooted in English 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 Elma?
Elma is currently ranked #808 as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Elma?
Elma originates from English tradition. English 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 Elma?
Elma is a two-syllable name pronounced EH1 L M AH0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Elma a common or rare name?
Elma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
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