Elma

♀ Girl

Pronounced EL-mah /ˈɛl.mɑ/Medium

Meaning: From Turkish elma, 'apple'; also a short form of Wilhelmina or Elmira; routes layeredLow

In 30 seconds: Sweet as an apple: Elma is Turkish for 'apple' — and a vintage short form of Wilhelmina. Soft, charming, and warm.

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Origin MediumTurkish, German

MeaningFrom Turkish elma, 'apple'; also a short form of Wilhelmina or Elmira; routes layered

U.S. rank (2025)#4384 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births32 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 21,701

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

Elma comes from Turkish elma, 'apple', and overlaps a short form of Wilhelmina/Elmira (routes layered, which we note). A soft, charming name across Turkey and as a vintage classic.

In the U.S. it appears in Turkish and vintage-loving families. Rare, apple at the (Turkish) root, and charming.

Did you know? Elma means 'apple' in Turkish — and is also a vintage short form of Wilhelmina or Elmira; doubly sweet.

Overall data confidence 65%

References — Elma — routes layered

Variations

ElmiraWilhelminaAlma

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Elma…

Alma— a sound-neighbor name

Elsa— a fellow El- name

Selma— a companion -lma name

Esma— shares Elma's Turkish roots

Irma— echoes that soft -ma sound

Explore names like Elma

By themeuncertain german turkish

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Elma mean?

Elma is Turkish for 'apple', and a short form of Wilhelmina; the routes are layered.

How do you pronounce Elma?

It's said EL-mah /ˈɛl.mɑ/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Elma a boy or girl name?

Elma is a girl's name.

How popular is Elma?

Elma is a rare name in the U.S.