Thelma

“English”

American origin · Unisex name

♂ 1% boys♀ 99% girls

#1390US 2023

810Births / yr

→Stable

226.5kAll-time births

📅 Since 1880🏆 42 years in top 1000.75% of births at peak

How to pronounce Thelma

THELM·uh

/ˈθɛlm.ə/ · stress on THELM · 2 syllables

“English”

American origin · Unisex name

What does Thelma mean and where does it come from?

Thelma gained popularity as a name in the early 20th century, especially within the United States, partly due to its association with the novel 'Thelma' by Marie Corelli. The name conveys strength and determination and has been used in various forms in literature and popular culture. It suggests a c

Cultural significance

Thelma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of english.

Peak popularity

Reached #25 in 1910 — currently #1390 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Thelma?

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

Thelma Grace

How popular is Thelma right now?

Holding steady — currently #1390 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#1390 · Top 1.0%

1965

1970

1975

1980

1985

1990

1995

2000

2005

2010

2015

2020

2021

2022

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#1390	810	▲ up 5 · +3% births
2022	#1395	790	▲ up 5 · +4% births
2021	#1400	760	▲ up 3323 · +2715% births
2020	#4723	27	▲ up 255
2015	#4978	27	▲ up 1402 · +35% births
2010	#6380	20	▼ down 2871 · -52% births
2005	#3509	42	▼ down 652 · -16% births
2000	#2857	50	▼ down 1054 · -37% births
1995	#1803	79	▼ down 188 · -14% births
1990	#1615	92	▼ down 297 · -9% births
1985	#1318	101	▼ down 324 · -32% births
1980	#994	148	▼ down 257 · -25% births
1975	#737	198	▼ down 114 · -27% births
1970	#623	273	▼ down 243 · -53% births
1965	#380	578	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Thelma

Best Year1910Rank #25

Peak Count7,815

Average Rank#1266

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202328 years

The story of Thelma

Thelma has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. Its peak popularity was #25 in 1910. More than 226,451 babies have been named Thelma since 1880. Once ranked #936 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #1390 in 2023. Thelma is used for both genders: 99% female and 1% male.

Names that peaked alongside Thelma in 1910:

Mary Helen Margaret Dorothy Ruth

Thelma by decade

Thelma peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	76
1890s	2,396
1900s	18,344
1910s	57,284
1920s ★	69,103
1930s	36,525
1940s	20,334
1950s	11,805
1960s	5,925
1970s	2,158
1980s	1,170
1990s	687
2000s	378
2010s	239
2020s	27

What are good nicknames for Thelma?

Common

TheThieThyElma

What names sound and feel like Thelma?

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

Thella

American · clover; a flower

Thelmar

American · Combination of 'Thelma'

Therma

Greek · Heat, warmth.

American · A modern feminine

Welma

American · Germanic

Telma

Spanish · Derived from the

How is Thelma written in other languages?

Telma

PORTUGUESE

Common questions about the name Thelma

What does the name Thelma mean?

Thelma means "English" — a name rooted in American 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 Thelma?

Thelma is currently a distinctive and less common name 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 Thelma?

Thelma originates from American tradition. American 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 Thelma?

Thelma is a two-syllable name pronounced TH 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 Thelma a common or rare name?

Thelma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.