Alma
Alma: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Alma
Root meaning: “nourishing, kind”
- A female given name from Latin, popular in the 19th century.
Etymology
Usually explained as Latin alma (“nourishing, kind”). It has also been used as a short form of Germanic compound names beginning with the element Amal-, as in Amelia.
How popular is Alma?
Since 1880, 163,723 girls and 2,219 boys in the U.S. have been named Alma (99% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #51 in 1896. Its highest rank for boys was #461 in 1881. In 2025 it ranked #449 for girls, with 696 babies given the name.
Names similar to Alma
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Latin girl names
Sibling name ideas for Alma
Sister and brother names that share Alma's Latin roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Alma FAQ
What does the name Alma mean?
Alma traces back to a root meaning "nourishing, kind". A female given name from Latin, popular in the 19th century. Usually explained as Latin alma (“nourishing, kind”). It has also been used as a short form of Germanic compound names beginning with the element Amal-, as in Amelia.
What is the origin of the name Alma?
Alma is listed as a name of Latin origin.
How popular is the name Alma?
Since 1880, 163,723 girls and 2,219 boys in the U.S. have been named Alma (99% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #51 in 1896. Its highest rank for boys was #461 in 1881. In 2025 it ranked #449 for girls, with 696 babies given the name.
Is Alma a boy or girl name?
Alma is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 163,723 girls and 2,219 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.