Elma
Elma: name meaning, origin and popularity
Meaning and origin of Elma
- A female given name originating as a coinage.
Etymology
A 19th-century creation, usually explained as a form of Wilhelmina or Italian Guglielma. It has also been recorded as a blend of Elizabeth and Mary.
How popular is Elma?
Since 1880, 21,703 girls and 483 boys in the U.S. have been named Elma (98% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #209 in 1901. Its highest rank for boys was #1021 in 1896. In 2025, 32 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Elma
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
Sibling name ideas for Elma
Names that peaked around the same time as Elma and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Elma FAQ
What does the name Elma mean?
A female given name originating as a coinage. A 19th-century creation, usually explained as a form of Wilhelmina or Italian Guglielma. It has also been recorded as a blend of Elizabeth and Mary.
How popular is the name Elma?
Since 1880, 21,703 girls and 483 boys in the U.S. have been named Elma (98% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #209 in 1901. Its highest rank for boys was #1021 in 1896. In 2025, 32 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Elma a boy or girl name?
Elma is mostly a girl name in the U.S.: 21,703 girls and 483 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.