What does Telma mean and where does it come from?
Telma is a name with variations in use among Spanish-speaking and Portuguese cultures. Although its etymology is somewhat unclear, it is often linked to a Greek root that conveys peace and tranquility. Popular in certain regions, especially in Spain and Latin America, Telma has seen usage both histo
Cultural significance
Telma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Spanish-speaking communities, where it reflects values of derived from the greek, meaning 'peaceful'.
Peak popularity
Reached #4677 in 1957 — currently #1233 in the US.
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Related Reading
Spanish-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Telma?
Telma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Telma Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Telma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Telma Mae
Sweet · timeless
Telma Claire
French influence · crisp
Telma Jane
Literary · strong
Telma Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Telma right now?
Holding steady — currently #1233 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1233 | 967 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1238 | 947 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1243 | 917 | ▲ up 10303 · +15183% births |
| 1990 | #11546 | 6 | ▼ down 3075 · -14% births |
| 1985 | #8471 | 7 | ▼ down 929 · -12% births |
| 1980 | #7542 | 8 | ▼ down 2619 · -33% births |
| 1975 | #4923 | 12 | ▲ up 3313 · +140% births |
| 1970 | #8236 | 5 | ▼ down 1465 |
| 1965 | #6771 | 5 | ▼ down 1839 |
| 1915 | #4932 | 5 | — |
The story of Telma
Telma entered American naming records in 1915 and has been in use for over 109 years. With 263 total births recorded, Telma remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4932 in 1915 to #1233 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Telma in 1957:
Telma by decade
Telma peaked in the 1950s. See all 1950s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 5 | |
| 1920s | 5 | |
| 1950s | 8 | |
| 1960s | 47 | |
| 1970s ★ | 70 | |
| 1980s | 64 | |
| 1990s | 40 | |
| 2000s | 16 | |
| 2010s | 8 | |
💎Telma has only 263 total recorded births since 1915 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Telma?
Famous people named Telma
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Telma (Latin American historical figure)
Telma used this name across South and Central America as Spanish naming traditions spread.
T(
Telma (Spanish royal)
Telma held this name in the Spanish Crown, giving it aristocratic resonance across the Hispanic world.
T(
Telma (Spanish conquistador or explorer)
Telma bore this name during the Age of Exploration, spreading it across the Americas.
T(
Telma (Spanish saint)
Telma helped establish this name across the Spanish-speaking Catholic world.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Telma?
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How is Telma written in other languages?
What are the boy versions of Telma?
Common questions about the name Telma
What does the name Telma mean?
Telma means "Derived from the Greek, meaning 'peaceful'" — a name rooted in Spanish 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 Telma?
Telma 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 Telma?
Telma originates from Spanish tradition. Spanish 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 Telma?
Telma is a two-syllable name pronounced T 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 Telma a common or rare name?
Telma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.