Elma
Dutch · Girl · 2 syllables
Popularity & facts
Relative popularity index, 2010–2025Popularity over time
Popularity indexHistorical popularity from 1880–2025 · US Social Security Administration data
About the name Elma
Elma is derived from the Old German name Wilhelmina, combining "wil" (will/desire) and "helm" (helmet/protection), meaning "resolute protector" or "determined guardian." The name is used across Germanic, Scandinavian, English-speaking, and some Muslim cultures, with notable historical usage among European royalty and later adopted more broadly in the 20th century.
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Etymology
Elma is derived from the Old German name Wilhelmina, combining "wil" (will/desire) and "helm" (helmet/protection), meaning "resolute protector" or "determined guardian." The name is used across Germanic, Scandinavian, English-speaking, and some Muslim cultures, with notable historical usage among European royalty and later adopted more broadly in the 20th century.
Elma currently ranks #4,384 in the United States as a girl's name. It reached its peak popularity around 1918.
Variants & nicknames
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Sibling name ideas
Dutch, English, German (Rare) names that sit beautifully beside ElmaSimilar names you might like
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Names that sound like Elma
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