Declining since 1985, #5,722 for girls today.
Popularity of Velma since 1880
Babies named Velma per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1921, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Velma's real moment was 1907.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 358 |
| 1890s | 2,099 |
| 1900s | 6,558 |
| 1910s | 18,631 |
| 1920s | 22,875 |
| 1930s | 14,250 |
| 1940s | 9,272 |
| 1950s | 6,861 |
| 1960s | 3,696 |
| 1970s | 1,134 |
| 1980s | 512 |
| 1990s | 191 |
| 2000s | 97 |
| 2010s | 107 |
| 2020s | 111 |
Meaning & origin
Velma is a name that saw its heyday in the early 20th century, reaching peak popularity in 1907. Since 1985, its usage has been steadily declining, and today it is quite rare, with approximately 1 in 76,537 newborns receiving the name in 2025, ranking it 5,722. The name's uncertain origins add to its vintage charm; it may be a variant of Wilma or a fanciful coinage. Despite its obscurity, Velma retains a nostalgic appeal, evoking an era when names ending in '-ma' were fashionable. No top states were recorded for Velma in recent years, underscoring its scarcity.
Velma is a name of uncertain origin, first appearing in the late 19th century. It may be a feminine variant of Wilhelm (via Wilma) or a creative coinage, possibly influenced by the word 'velvet'. The name gained moderate use in the early 1900s, peaking in popularity in 1907, but has since declined.
Where Velma 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.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Vee
Variants: Wilma
Sibling names for Velma
Names that share Velma's style, for a brother or sister.
Sisters: Wilma, Thelma, Etta, Myra, Selma, Delois, Nelda, Venita, Verla, Verlene, Zelma, Earlean, Elwanda, Lahoma, Lavona, Remona, Shelba, Trula, Wanita, Zenobia, Aloma, Arleene, Arleta, Cloteal, Genora, Mardella, Melvia, Nelva, Oneda, Relda, Shelda, Shelva, Velta, Wauneta, Willamae, Willma, Wylma, Wynema, Areatha, Arlita, Elverna, Floyce, Glenola, Gurtha, Guyla, Jearline, Lavaun, Laverle, Marvie, Melvenia, Monteen, Oneita, Thelda, Verneta, Vernona, Vonceil, Waldine, Almeter, Olamae, Alnita, Ardel, Belvie, Bonnetta, Delona, Eudell, Inetha, Leveda, Leveta, Lurlean, Marvia, Maudean, Milta, Norvella, Oreatha, Quida, Twylla, Valta, Vanice, Velina, Velisa, Velvie, Verbie, Wahneta, Wanell, Welda, Welma, Zelta
Brothers: Elmer, Herman, Otis, Chester, Earl, Delbert, Delmer, Lavon, Delroy, Lanell, Theodis, Verlin, Alvester, Levester, Rodell, Thelbert, Cleatis, Delman, Elmus, Levell, Melvern, Thelmer, Verbon, Verdis, Delmo, Delvis, Flemon, Ledell, Levorn, Thelton, Virgal, Wilman
