What does Felma mean and where does it come from?
The name Felma is primarily a variant of Wilma, which has German origins. It has been used in various English-speaking countries, particularly as a diminutive or affectionate form of other names starting with 'Fel-'. The exact historical use of Felma is less documented, but it reflects the trend of
Cultural significance
Felma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Germanic-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a variant of wilma, meaning 'resolute protector'.
Peak popularity
Reached #2201 in 1905 — currently #1430 in the US.
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Related Reading
Germanic-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Felma?
Felma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Felma Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Felma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Felma Mae
Sweet · timeless
Felma Claire
French influence · crisp
Felma Jane
Literary · strong
Felma Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Felma right now?
Holding steady — currently #1430 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1430 | 770 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2022 | #1435 | 750 | ▲ up 5 · +4% births |
| 2021 | #1440 | 720 | ▲ up 2954 · +14300% births |
| 1935 | #4394 | 5 | ▼ down 267 · -29% births |
| 1920 | #4127 | 7 | ▼ down 1647 · -42% births |
| 1915 | #2480 | 12 | ▼ down 279 · +140% births |
| 1905 | #2201 | 5 | — |
The story of Felma
Felma entered American naming records in 1905 and has been in use for over 119 years. With 113 total births recorded, Felma remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #2201 in 1905 to #1430 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Felma in 1905:
Felma by decade
Felma peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 15 | |
| 1910s ★ | 50 | |
| 1920s | 33 | |
| 1930s | 15 | |
💎Felma has only 113 total recorded births since 1905 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Felma?
Famous people named Felma
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Felma (Norse explorer)
Felma carried this name across Scandinavia and into the North Atlantic during the Viking Age.
F(
Felma (German philosopher)
Felma used this name in the rich tradition of German intellectual and philosophical culture.
F(
Felma (Scandinavian royal)
Felma held this name in the Nordic royal courts, giving it aristocratic prestige across Northern Europe.
F(
Felma (Germanic saint)
Felma spread this name through the Germanic missionary tradition of early Christianity.
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Celebrity Names
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Explore →What names sound and feel like Felma?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Felma also consider these
Common questions about the name Felma
What does the name Felma mean?
Felma means "a variant of Wilma, meaning 'resolute protector'" — 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 Felma?
Felma 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 Felma?
Felma 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 Felma?
Felma is a two-syllable name pronounced F EH1 L M AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Felma a common or rare name?
Felma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.