Holding steady.
Popularity of Nelma since 1907
Babies named Nelma per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1900s | 10 |
| 1910s | 184 |
| 1920s | 415 |
| 1930s | 336 |
| 1940s | 195 |
| 1950s | 82 |
| 1960s | 7 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Nelma is a rare feminine name that entered U.S. birth records in 1907 and experienced a brief period of modest popularity, reaching its peak in 1926. During the 1920s, it was used with some frequency, but its usage has since declined and remained stable at very low levels. The name's etymology is uncertain, with possibilities including a variant of Nelsine (a feminine form of Neil) or a borrowing from Portuguese. It never ranked among the top 1,000 names in any year and is now uncommon. Given its peak in the mid-1920s, Nelma carries a vintage, early 20th-century feel.
Nelma first appeared in U.S. records in 1907 and saw modest use during the 1920s and 1930s. Its origin is unclear; it may be a variant of Nelsine (itself a feminine form of Neil) or an independent coinage. Alternatively, it might be a borrowing from the Portuguese name Nelma, ultimately of uncertain origin. Peak usage occurred in 1926, after which it declined in popularity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Nel, Nellie
Variants: Nelma
Sibling names for Nelma
Names that share Nelma's style, for a brother or sister.
