Thelma

Updated: October 20, 2023 by Stephanie Graham

When you hear the baby name Thelma, you likely think of “Thelma and Louise.” This vintage baby name is on its way to a comeback, rising to the top 300 list in France in recent years. As of 2021, Thelma is a top 8,300 option in America.

Meaning and Origin of the name Thelma:

Thelma is name for girls of Greek origin meaning “will” or “volition.”

Thelma has unknown origins. Thelma may come from the Greek word thelema (meaning “will” or “volition”). It was rare throughout Europe and America until 1887. In that year, author Marie Corelli wrote a book called “Thelma.” It became popular in the late nineteenth century after the publishing of the literature.

Symbolism of the name Thelma:

Most agree that Thelma means “unknown.” Remember, it only became popular after the creation of the book “Thelma.” Some individuals state that Thelma comes from the ancient Greek word “thelema.” “Thelema” translates to “will.”

Nicknames for the name Thelma:

Thelma is a cute name for girls that has many different nicknames from which to choose. We have put together a list of nicknames for Thelma to help you find the best one for your baby girl. There is a vast variety of options that all sound so different. You're sure to find the right one for you.

Thel
Thelm
Ma
Elm
Elma
Elle
Tee
Thellie
Thelly
Thelms

Style of the name Thelma:

Traditional

Gender of the name Thelma:

Thelma is a vintage-sounding name for girls.

Pronunciation of the name Thelma:

THEHL-muh

Number of syllables in the name Thelma:

Two

Emotion evoked from the name Thelma:

Thelma is a vintage and spunky baby name. It is wholesome and natural.

Alternative spellings for the name Thelma:

Thelmah
Thellmah
Thellma

Popularity of the name Thelma:

Thelma was a top 100 name in America until 1939. It was a top 25 option in 1910 at rank 25. Thelma remained on the Social Security Popularity Index until 1982 when it was number 979 for girls. As of 2021, Thelma is a top 8,300 option.