Elma Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
The name Elma has its origins in Germanic roots, meaning protection or helmet, and is also linked to the elm tree. It has evolved through various historical forms and gained popularity in the 19th century. The name carries traits of strength and a connection to nature, with no biblical relevance. Notable individuals named Elma have contributed to its recognition.
The name Elma is most popular in Mississippi, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the West region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Elma has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for male in South, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Elma' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1973rd out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 2445th out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 4746th out of 7552 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 266th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 430th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 943rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 2184th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 4839th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3917th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 4920th out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Elma' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Elma"
Pronunciation
/ˈɛlmə/
Origin
Germanic
Etymology
The name Elma is believed to be derived from the Germanic element 'helm,' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection.' It may also be associated with the Old High German word 'elma,' which refers to the elm tree.
Meaning
Protection, helmet, elm tree
Language Evolution
Old High German: Elma, Middle High German: Elma, Modern German: Elma
Historical Usage
Elma gained popularity in the 19th century, particularly in English-speaking countries, as a feminine name. It has been used in literature and by various notable figures, contributing to its recognition.
Variants & Derivatives
Elmira, Elmina, Elmae, Elmae
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Elma is viewed as a classic yet unique name, often associated with strength and nature due to its connection to the elm tree. It has a charming and vintage appeal.
Famous People
Elma Lewis, an influential African American educator and community leader., Elma B. Tuck, an American poet.
Explore More Elma Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Elma"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Elma"
"Elma" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1973rd of 7545 | 260 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 2445th of 6773 | 177 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 4746th of 7552 | 40 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 266th of 9107 | 10,766 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 430th of 9204 | 4,749 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 943rd of 12526 | 2,172 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 2184th of 19264 | 610 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 4839th of 27321 | 290 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3917th of 35406 | 576 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 4920th of 30306 | 326 |
Regional Popularity of "Elma" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
100.00% 1737th/1737 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
100.00% 1825th/1825 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Elma" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
100.00% 238th/238 |
100.00% 311th/311 |
100.00% 243rd/243 |
100.00% 221st/221 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
100.00% 480th/480 |
100.00% 513th/513 |
100.00% 342nd/342 |
100.00% 497th/497 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
100.00% 1336th/1336 |
100.00% 1413th/1413 |
100.00% 640th/640 |
100.00% 1241st/1241 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - |
100.00% 1231st/1231 |
100.00% 2060th/2060 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- |
100.00% 4475th/4475 |
100.00% 2728th/2728 |
100.00% 3654th/3654 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
100.00% 2939th/2939 |
100.00% 2862nd/2862 |
100.00% 5527th/5527 |
100.00% 7463rd/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
100.00% 3773rd/3773 |
100.00% 3017th/3017 |
- | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Elma"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Elma" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.