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Thelma Name Meaning, Origins & History

Thelma

Pronunciation: THEL-muh

Meaning Will, willful or A foundling Origin coinages Gender Girl
GIRLS RANK
#4,745
TREND
299
Peak Years
1921, 1920, 1918
Lowest Years
1880, 1883, 1884
Energy Archetype
Sensitive & Diplomatic

Rank shows the name’s position among U.S. baby names for each gender in 2025. Trend shows how many places it rose or fell since 2024. Rank 1 is the most popular. Based on U.S. Social Security Administration (SSA) data. Peak and lowest years are based on the number of girls named Thelma in the available records.

Fun Facts About the Name Thelma

  • An established favorite: Thelma held a place in the U.S. top 100 for 42 consecutive years, from 1898 through 1939.
  • More than 226 thousand babies named Thelma: U.S. records list 226,600 babies given the name Thelma from 1880 through 2025. Even 1,142 boys received the name Thelma - about 1 boy for every 197 girls.

What Does the Name Thelma Mean?

Thelma is usually explained as coming from the Greek thelēma (θέλημα), meaning "will" or "wish," a noun built on the verb thelō (θέλω), "to wish, to will." Taken literally, the name carries the sense of "will" or "wish." Because the Greek word names a desire rather than a person, it is often rendered more warmly as "wished for" or "desired," but that is a customary interpretation rather than a direct translation.

A less common explanation links the name to Greek thelgein, "to enchant," giving the sense "enchantress." That reading rests on a similar-sounding word rather than a documented derivation and is not the usual account.

Thelma Name History & Origins

Thelma is a name of the 19th century, used chiefly in English and in the Scandinavian languages. Its use spread widely after the English novelist Marie Corelli published Thelma in 1887, a romantic novel set in Norway. The book was read in Britain, the United States, and Scandinavia, and the name appears in those regions afterward. Whether the name was already in use before the novel is not clear from the material available here, so its earlier history should be treated as uncertain.

Once established, Thelma was used steadily in the English-speaking world through the 20th century, and in Norway and Sweden it sat easily alongside native Scandinavian names. The Spanish and Portuguese form Telma, which drops the h, is also found, though it is not certain whether it arose independently or was borrowed from the English name.

How Popular is the Name Thelma?

Thelma remained among the top 100 girl names in the U.S. from 1898 to 1939. Its highest annual birth count was in 1921, and people born that year turn 105 in 2026.

U.S. name popularity from 1880-2025, based on SSA data. Rank shows how the name compares with other names - lower numbers mean greater popularity. Births shows how many babies received the name each year.

Name popularity over more than a century, based on Social Security Administration data. Gaps in the chart indicate years when the name does not appear in the published records.

Explore Name Lists Featuring Thelma

Carl appears in several baby name collections based on U.S. popularity records, naming trends, and name characteristics. Explore these lists to discover other names with similar histories, styles, or features.

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How the Name Thelma Shapes Your Personality and Life?

You like to control everyone within your influence, to shape things to your own liking. If positive, you develop high spirituality, as you have a God's protection. You are sensitive, affectionate, imaginative and cooperative, spiritually aware and prone to self-sacrifice. You can keep secrets and are a good diplomat. You may have healing and psychic powers. You have an eventful, exciting life. You are versatile and have the ability to learn easily.

You are seeking freedom, opportunities to enjoy life: to make love, to go places and to do things. You are very adventurous and willing to take risk to achieve your objectives. New ways and new experiences can't satisfy your restless nature. One adventure leads you to another. You are honest and fair, because you know that this is the only way to receive justice and honesty from other people. But your personal growth is vital for you, and it is difficult to be tied down by rules and obligations. Your restless spirit might best controlled by choosing the field of work that meet your demand for action and adventure.

✦ Thelma's Deeper Meaning & Tips for Parents Discover Thelma's symbolic numbers and practical tips for choosing a name that complements your child's birth date.
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