Welma

Meaning & origin

Welma is a rare variant of Wilma, which itself was a popular nickname for Wilhelmina in the early 20th century. The name first appeared in U.S. records in 1912 and saw its peak during the 1920s, with the highest number of births in 1929. Since then, usage has declined steadily, and Welma has become an uncommon choice. While it never ranked in the national top 1000, its trajectory has remained stable at very low numbers, with fewer than five births annually in recent years. The name did not appear in any state's top 1000 lists, reflecting its rarity. Despite its obscurity, Welma carries a strong meaning and a vintage charm that may appeal to parents seeking a distinctive alternative to more popular names.

Welma is a variant spelling of Wilma, which originated as a short form of Wilhelmina, the feminine form of Wilhelm (William). The name William derives from the Old High German 'willio' (will, desire) and 'helm' (helmet, protection), thus 'resolute protector'. Welma emerged as an alternative spelling in the early 20th century, particularly in the United States, but never achieved the popularity of Wilma.