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NamyLab

Elma

female
Updated 6 months ago

Meaning

"Helmet; Knowledge"

Used in European contexts as a short form of names with Germanic elements, and also resembles Arabic alima with distinct meaning, making etymology variable.

Themes:multioriginclassicfeminine
UniqueRare

Fact-checked by Lily Anderson

M.F.A. Creative Writing, Sarah LawrencePublished NovelistName Collection Curator • Creative Names Editor

This name has been verified against authoritative sources including SSA data, etymology databases, and cultural naming traditions.

Popularity History of Elma

Full SSA rank history from 1880 to 2024

#4575Ranked in 2024

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Yearly Ranking Snapshot

Pick any SSA release year to inspect that year's national ranking and how it changed from the year before.

Selected Year Rank
#4575

Elma was nationally ranked in 2024.

Change Vs Previous Year
+857

better than 2023

Data Source

Popularity rankings are based on official data from the Social Security Administration (SSA), which tracks baby name applications in the United States.

Last updated: 2024 • Data source updated annually

Elma Nicknames

Familiar short forms, playful variations, and easy everyday options for Elma.

8 ideas
elmy
Nickname
elma
Nickname
el
Nickname
EL
Nickname
elmaie
Nickname
elmay
Nickname
elmao
Nickname
eeie
Nickname

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Baby Name Lists That Include Elma

Browse every Namylab list page that currently includes Elma, from meaning and origin collections to letter, syllable, and themed baby name lists.

19 linked lists

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

What does the name Elma mean?
Elma means "Helmet; Knowledge". Used in European contexts as a short form of names with Germanic elements, and also resembles Arabic alima with distinct
What is the origin of Elma?
Elma is of Germanic origin. The name has been used historically across cultures and carries significant cultural meaning within its origin tradition.
How popular is the name Elma?
According to the latest SSA data, Elma is currently ranked #4575 in the United States. The name has shown interesting trends over the past century, with popularity varying based on cultural preferences and naming trends.
Is Elma a girl name?
Elma is traditionally a girl name. However, modern naming practices are increasingly flexible, and names can be used across genders based on personal preference.
What are good nicknames for Elma?
Popular nicknames for Elma include elmy, elma, el, EL, and more. These offer shorter, more casual alternatives for everyday use.
What names are similar to Elma?
There are many names similar to Elma in meaning, origin, or sound. Explore the Similar Names section to discover alternatives that may resonate with you.

Quick Facts

OriginGermanic, Arabic
Syllables2
Length4 letters
US Rank#4575
Trend↑ Rising
Starts withE

Sibling Ideas

Explore More Girl Names Like Elma

Elma has Germanic roots, making it a wonderful choice if you love names from this heritage. Discover more options in our Germanic baby names collection, where you'll find hundreds of names with similar cultural depth.

Elma appears in several of our curated collections. Check out Names That Mean Wisdom and Unique Baby Names for more names with a similar feel. You might also enjoy browsing Arabic Baby Names and Names That Mean Child Of God for Boys and Girls.

Before you decide, try our Full Name Preview to see how Elma pairs with your surname. The Sibling Name Matcher can help find names that complement Elma beautifully, and the Nickname Predictor reveals the most common short forms.

Explore our full baby name lists for origin-based, meaning-based, and themed collections, or head back to the baby name generator to continue your search.