A 1890s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Alma since 1880
Babies named Alma per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Alma's real moment was 1894.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 5,190 |
| 1890s | 11,184 |
| 1900s | 13,092 |
| 1910s | 27,515 |
| 1920s | 30,434 |
| 1930s | 18,251 |
| 1940s | 12,401 |
| 1950s | 9,637 |
| 1960s | 6,382 |
| 1970s | 5,592 |
| 1980s | 5,688 |
| 1990s | 6,030 |
| 2000s | 4,553 |
| 2010s | 3,965 |
| 2020s | 3,809 |
Meaning & origin
Alma is a name that has experienced notable shifts in popularity across decades. It first appeared in U.S. records in 1880 and reached its peak rank of 29 in 1894, during which it was a common choice for girls in the 1890s. After a long decline, it has seen a revival, rising in rank in recent years. In 2025, it ranked 449th with a frequency of one in 2,333 births, and its trajectory has been steadily upward since 2011. The name is particularly favored in states like Minnesota, Florida, and Oregon, reflecting diverse regional appeal. Its multiple origins and gentle sound make it a name with both historical depth and modern charm.
Alma has multiple proposed origins. In Latin, it means 'nurturing' or 'kind', from almus. In Hebrew, it can mean 'young woman' (as in the biblical Alma, though debated). It also arose as a modern contraction of names like Alameda or Almira. The name gained popularity in the 19th century, especially after the Battle of Alma (1854), and remained common into the early 20th century.
Where Alma is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
“Alma” around the world
Where Alma lands in the latest official birth statistics abroad, matched to the U.S. spelling.
France
#6
in 2024
Ireland
19
babies in 2025
Quebec
28
babies in 2025
Sources: INSEE (France) · CSO Ireland (Ireland) · Retraite Québec (Quebec).
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Al, Ally
Sibling names for Alma
Names that share Alma's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Alice, Clara, Edith, Esther, Lena, Ada, Thelma, Ambar, Amora, Armida, Belva, Delma, Elida, Elma, Elvia, Lluvia, Melvina, Selma, Alverta, Ara, Awilda, Azucena, Earlean, Eldora, Joya, Lavada, Lavera, Maja, Minda, Nelida, Rosalva, Solana, Velia, Viva, Zamora, Zulma, Aleda, Aloma, Alverda, Alverna, Alvia, Alvira, Anona, Aretta, Argentina, Belvia, Berdena, Cleona, Elmina, Elmyra, Elsia, Elzora, Erva, Feliz, Fredonia, Ilma, Itzia, Kajsa, Laverta, Lovena, Lucerito, Lurena, Milca, Nomi, Orlena, Paz, Ramonia, Ranita, Roza, Signa, Solimar, Tela, Valeda, Venna, Willma, Wylma, Yari, Yer, Yetzali, Zelpha, Zenna, Adelfa, Alegria, Anola, Anzal, Arlita, Berdina, Berma, Camira, Celita, Delmi, Eletha, Esley, Gilma, Gustava, Irva, Junella, Lamona, Laverda, Lavita, Linnaea, Margia, Melvena, Nayda, Obera, Oleva, Orena, Orlinda, Pernie, Veleta, Veneda, Vinia, Almeter, Alyda, Elzina, Ovida, Adelma, Agusta, Almee, Berdia, Corita, Delona, Eldoris, Elga, Elnita, Eltha, Evona, Ilamae, Laberta, Luvena, Manilla, Maripaz, Onetta, Quita, Reata, Reona, Sarit, Silvina, Uva, Veona, Versia, Vineta, Zelta
Brothers: Albert, Arthur, Edgar, Louis, Walter, Adan, Alfonza, Alonza, Anselmo, Arnoldo, Elwyn, Nery, Cordaro, Dinero, Edvin, Ermal, Monico, Nilo, Arkan, Artice, Asberry, Elmus, Erez, Ezel, Lehi, Teancum, Elmond, Nefi, Algia, Almin, Alverto, Aroldo, Edras, Eldrige, Hairo, Heberto, Isaul, Tejon
Names like Alma
Names whose popularity has moved with Alma's over the last 50 years.
