Welma

“Welma is a variant of the name Wilhelmina, which has Germanic roots” — Associated with peace

American origin · Girl name

♂ 3% boys♀ 97% girls

#878US 2023

1.3kBirths / yr

→Stable

189All-time births

📅 Since 191200

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 Although somewhat outdated, it reflects a strong legacy in naming traditions, often associated with peace, protection, and nob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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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

How popular is Welma right now?

Holding steady — currently #878 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1915–2023#878 · Top 0.65%

1915

1920

1925

1930

1935

1940

1945

2021

2022

2023

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	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Welma

Best Year2023Rank #878

Peak Count1,322

Average Rank#3048

Current Trend↗Rising

Data Range1915 - 202310 years

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:

Mary Betty Dorothy Helen Margaret

Welma by decade

Welma peaked in the 1920s. See all 1920s names →

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?

Common

WelWe

What names sound and feel like Welma?

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

Melma

American · A modern feminine

Nelma

American · A combination of

Velma

American · English

Wylma

American · A variant of

Germanic · to govern, authority.

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.