Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
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
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
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
Explore More Name Visualizations
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 (1 Variations)
Explore names that share identical pronunciation with different spellings. These variations offer alternative options for parents seeking unique yet familiar-sounding choices. This curated collection includes 1 carefully selected variations that maintain the same phonetic sound while providing distinct spelling options.
Why consider alternative spellings? Different spellings can offer unique cultural significance or personal preference while maintaining the familiar sound. This collection covers various spelling patterns, helping you find variations that match your preferences.
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
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Regional Popularity by Generation - Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - |
49.83% 1179th/2366 |
- |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - |
71.10% 1673rd/2353 |
- |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - |
77.71% 2217th/2853 |
- |
| 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 by Generation - Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
2.47% 35th/1416 |
3.77% 52nd/1379 |
0.68% 16th/2366 |
3.15% 36th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
7.31% 113th/1546 |
7.39% 115th/1556 |
1.70% 40th/2353 |
7.95% 123rd/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
15.00% 334th/2227 |
14.36% 349th/2430 |
5.36% 153rd/2853 |
14.09% 391st/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
24.55% 721st/2937 |
22.77% 793rd/3483 |
12.25% 431st/3518 |
20.50% 829th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
52.70% 1942nd/3685 |
38.93% 1742nd/4475 |
23.60% 1226th/5194 |
21.80% 1377th/6317 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- |
100.00% 5164th/5164 |
40.72% 2978th/7313 |
44.82% 3345th/7463 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - |
94.50% 6447th/6822 |
100.00% 6276th/6276 |
State-by-State Popularity
This map shows relative popularity 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.
Comprehensive Regional & Generational Popularity Trends in the United States
This name shows strongest popularity in West Virginia across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South 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, usage 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, popularity patterns vary significantly: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 1124th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 1463rd out of 6773 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 3523rd out of 7552 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 10718th out of 10718 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 30th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 76th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 241st out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 610th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 1489th out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 3839th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 5023rd out of 30306 names. Explore how this name has evolved through American history with comprehensive regional and generational analysis.