Girl · 30th of 9,107
Thelma
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
226,571
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1921
Peak Popularity Year
7,871
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Thelma stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
Jump to a section
Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Thelma is a name of Greek origin meaning 'will' or 'volition.' It evolved from its Greek roots to become popular in English-speaking countries in the late 19th century due to literature. The name is associated with traits of independence and strength, and it has no biblical relevance.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈθɛlmə/
Origin
Greek
Etymology
The name Thelma is believed to derive from the Greek word 'thelma,' which means 'will' or 'volition.' It was popularized in the early 20th century by the novel 'Thelma' by Marie Corelli.
Meaning
will, volition
Language Evolution
Thelma (20th century), Thelma (19th century, in literature), Thelma (original Greek root)
Historical Usage
Thelma gained popularity in the English-speaking world during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly after the publication of Marie Corelli's novel in 1887.
Variants & Derivatives
Thelma, Telma
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Thelma is perceived as a classic and somewhat vintage name, often associated with strong-willed and independent women.
Famous People
Thelma Todd, an American actress from the 1920s and 1930s., Thelma Golden, an American curator and art historian.
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
Geographic charts live in focused views so this report stays readable. Choose the level of detail you need.
Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 7,871 peak births in 1921
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in West Virginia
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 1 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
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
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1124th of 7545 | 621 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1463rd of 6773 | 406 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 3523rd of 7552 | 99 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 10718th of 10718 | 5 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 30th of 9107 | 131,495 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 76th of 9204 | 60,853 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 241st of 12526 | 22,594 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 610th of 19264 | 4,466 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1489th of 27321 | 1,558 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 3839th of 35406 | 591 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 5023rd of 30306 | 317 |