The nameThelma
Thelma is a name invented by a Victorian novelist. It was in the American top 25 in 1910.
- Girl's name
- English
Meaning
Thelma has no clear meaning. It was popularised by Marie Corelli's novel Thelma, published in 1887.
Origin
English, literary.
History
In the United States Thelma reached 25th place in 1910. The film Thelma and Louise came out in 1991.
Famous people named Thelma
- Thelma Houston, singer
Popularity of the name Thelma
Thelma in the United States
Thelma was most popular in the United States in the 1920s, with 69,101 births over the decade, 30% of all recorded babies named Thelma. Its rise began around 1900, and it peaked in 1921. Half of all babies named Thelma in the United States were born before 1924, so it is mostly a great-grandparents' generation name. Over the last five years on record, its popularity has held steady at around 28 births a year.
Thelma in France
Thelma was most popular in France in the 2020s, with 1,425 births over the decade, 36% of all recorded babies named Thelma. Its rise began around 1995, and it peaked in 2025. Half of all babies named Thelma in France were born before 2016, so it is mostly a name of today's children and teenagers. Over the last five years on record, it has been rising: 246 births a year on average, against 179 in the five years before.
Thelma in Norway
Sibling names for Thelma
Names from the same generation as Thelma, whose popularity in the United States has followed a similar path.
How many people are named Thelma? See the counter → · What would your name be in 1950? · Name origin quiz
Compare Thelma with another name
Meaning, origin and popularity of Thelma side by side with the name of your choice.
Thelma in our baby name lists
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Thelma mean?
Thelma has no clear meaning. It was popularised by Marie Corelli's novel Thelma, published in 1887.
What is the origin of the name Thelma?
English, literary.
Is Thelma a girl's or a boy's name?
Thelma is a girl's name.
How popular is the name Thelma?
In 2024, Thelma was the 4379th most popular name for baby girls in the United States, with 32 births.
What are good sibling names for Thelma?
Names from the same generation, with a similar popularity in the United States: Leanne, Debbie, Fanny and Jeanne for a sister, Tim, Willy, Freddie and Dino for a brother.
Who are famous people named Thelma?
Thelma Houston, singer.