Nelma is a unique and beautiful name of unknown origin. Some sources suggest that it may have originated from the Hebrew name "Naamah," which means "pleasing" or "gracious." However, there is no definitive evidence to support this claim.
The name Nelma has been used throughout history, but its popularity has varied greatly over time and by region. In some cultures, Nelma was a popular name for girls during the Middle Ages, while in others, it was virtually unheard of.
Despite its uncertain origins and variable popularity, Nelma remains an appealing name choice for parents looking for something different for their daughter. Its meaning, if derived from "Naamah," adds to its charm by suggesting that a girl named Nelma is pleasing or gracious.
In recent years, the name Nelma has appeared occasionally in various parts of the world, but it remains relatively rare compared to more common names like Emma or Amelia. This rarity can make it an attractive choice for parents who want their daughter's name to stand out while still being easily pronounced and spelled.
Overall, Nelma is a lovely and distinctive name with a fascinating history that continues to intrigue those interested in its origins and meaning.
The name Nelma experienced varying popularity over the years in the United States. In the early 1900s, it started with five births recorded each year for both 1907 and 1909. The number of births increased steadily until it peaked at 50 births in 1926. This trend continued until the late 1930s when the number of births began to decline.
Throughout the 1940s, Nelma's popularity decreased significantly. Only 11 births were recorded in 1943, and this remained relatively low for the rest of the decade. The popularity continued to fluctuate throughout the 1950s, with as few as seven births recorded in 1957.
In total, over the years from 1907 to 1960, there were 1229 recorded births for the name Nelma in the United States. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, this data shows that Nelma has been a consistently used name throughout much of the 20th century.