Delma

♀ Girl

Pronounced DEL-mah /ˈdɛl.mə/Medium

Meaning: Delma is an early-twentieth-century name of uncertain origin. It is variously linked to the Spanish del mar ('of the sea'), read as a short form of Fidelma or Adelma, or treated as a coinage. No single route is secure, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: A soft, uncertain name: Delma may echo Spanish 'del mar' ('of the sea') or clip Fidelma (said 'DEL-mah'). Route uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowAmerican, Spanish

MeaningDelma is an early-twentieth-century name of uncertain origin. It is variously linked to the Spanish del mar ('of the sea'), read as a short form of Fidelma or Adelma, or treated as a coinage. No single route is secure, which we note.

U.S. rank (2023)#15771 ↘ Falling

2023 U.S. births5 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1926

Total births (all-time)≈ 8,454

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Delma is a vintage American name whose origin is uncertain. Explanations range from the Spanish del mar ('of the sea') to a clipping of Fidelma or Adelma to a simple coinage. It saw modest early-twentieth-century use, cresting around 1926, then faded. We note the uncertainty rather than settle on one root.

Rare for generations now, it reads as a soft antique. Gentle and quietly enigmatic.

Did you know? Delma has been read as 'of the sea' (from Spanish del mar) and as a short form of Fidelma — but its true root stays uncertain, its quiet peak around 1926.

Overall data confidence 35%

References — Delma — Uncertain origin; possible del mar / Fidelma links

Variations

DelmyDelmarFidelma

Nicknames

DelElma

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Delma…

Velma— a like -elma vintage name

Thelma— a similar early-century pick

Elma— a short cousin in sound

Selma— a like soft -elma name

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By themeuncertain vintage soft 1920s

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Delma mean?

Delma is of uncertain origin — sometimes tied to Spanish 'del mar' ('of the sea'), sometimes read as a short form of Fidelma. We note the uncertainty.

How do you pronounce Delma?

It's said DEL-mah /ˈdɛl.mə/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Delma a boy or girl name?

Delma is used as a girl's name.

Is Delma making a comeback?

Delma is rare today and reads as an early-century antique rather than a reviving name.