What does Welma mean and where does it come from?
Welma is a variant of the name Wilhelmina, which has Germanic roots. The name has been popular in various forms across Europe, particularly in Germany and the United States. Although somewhat outdated, it reflects a strong legacy in naming traditions, often associated with peace, protection, and nob
Cultural significance
Welma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of germanic.
Peak popularity
Reached #2267 in 1929 — currently #878 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Welma?
Welma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Welma Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Welma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Welma Mae
Sweet · timeless
Welma Claire
French influence · crisp
Welma Jane
Literary · strong
Welma Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Welma right now?
Holding steady — currently #878 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #878 | 1,322 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #883 | 1,302 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2021 | #888 | 1,272 | ▲ up 3923 · +25340% births |
| 1945 | #4811 | 5 | ▼ down 1142 · -29% births |
| 1940 | #3669 | 7 | ▲ up 281 · +17% births |
| 1935 | #3950 | 6 | ▲ up 877 · +20% births |
| 1930 | #4827 | 5 | ▼ down 1563 · -50% births |
| 1925 | #3264 | 10 | ▼ down 2 |
| 1920 | #3262 | 10 | ▲ up 788 · +67% births |
| 1915 | #4050 | 6 | — |
The story of Welma
Welma entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. With 189 total births recorded, Welma remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4050 in 1915 to #878 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Welma in 1929:
Welma by decade
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1910s | 46 | |
| 1920s ★ | 87 | |
| 1930s | 44 | |
| 1940s | 12 | |
💎Welma has only 189 total recorded births since 1912 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Welma?
What names sound and feel like Welma?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Welma also consider these
Common questions about the name Welma
What does the name Welma mean?
Welma means "Germanic" — 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 Welma?
Welma is currently ranked #878 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 Welma?
Welma 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.
Is Welma a common or rare name?
Welma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.
What are good nicknames for Welma?
Welma 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.