Thelma is a name of Greek origin that has gained popularity over the years. It is derived from the Greek word "thelêma," which means "will" or "desire." The name was first used in literature by the famous English poet John Keats, who featured a character named Thelma in his poem "Lamia." However, it wasn't until the early 20th century that Thelma started to be used as a given name. Today, Thelma is still considered an unusual and unique name, but it has been embraced by many families around the world who appreciate its rare and meaningful qualities. Despite its Greek roots, Thelma has also been adopted by other cultures, including Scandinavian countries where it is sometimes spelled "Thalma." Overall, Thelma is a name that stands out for its distinctive sound and powerful meaning.
The name Thelma has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as seen through its birth statistics over the years. The name first began to gain traction in the late 1800s, with five babies named Thelma born in 1896 and six in 1897.
The early 1900s saw a steady increase in the popularity of the name Thelma, with nine births recorded in both 1903 and 1904. This trend continued throughout the decade, reaching a peak of 20 births in 1912. The following years saw further growth, with 29 births in 1913 and 30 in 1916.
The 1920s marked a period of significant popularity for the name Thelma. There were 45 births recorded in 1924 alone, which was the highest number of Thelma births up to that point. This decade also saw two years (1920 and 1921) with 32 births each, demonstrating a consistent level of popularity.
However, the 1930s showed a decline in the usage of the name Thelma. While there were still a significant number of births recorded each year (ranging from 19 to 37), this period marked the beginning of a downward trend that would continue into the following decades.
The 1940s and 50s saw a further decrease in the popularity of the name Thelma, with fewer than ten births recorded most years. This continued until the late 1960s when the name largely fell out of favor, with only five births recorded each year between 1961 and 1962.
In total, there were 1,142 babies named Thelma born in the United States over this period. While the name may have fluctuated in popularity over the years, its enduring usage demonstrates that it has held a special place in American naming culture for well over a century.