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Home › Baby Names Directory › Telma

Telma

♀ Girl

Pronounced TEL-mah /ˈtɛl.mə/Medium

Meaning: A form of Thelma, a name popularised (and likely coined) by novelist Marie Corelli in her 1887 novel; its sense is uncertain, sometimes linked to Greek 'will; wish.' A vintage name, noted honestly.Low

In 30 seconds: A vintage charmer: Telma is a form of Thelma, a literary coinage (said 'TEL-mah'). Soft and retro.
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Origin LowEnglish
MeaningA form of Thelma, a name popularised (and likely coined) by novelist Marie Corelli in her 1887 novel; its sense is uncertain, sometimes linked to Greek 'will; wish.' A vintage name, noted honestly.
U.S. rank (2024)#15033 ↘ Falling
2024 U.S. births6 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1976
Total births (all-time)≈ 269

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 199419152024

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

Telma is a form of Thelma, likely coined by novelist Marie Corelli in her 1887 novel; its sense is uncertain, sometimes read as 'will; wish.' Vintage and soft, it is rare in the U.S. (said 'TEL-mah').

It appears only rarely in U.S. data, more familiar in Portuguese- and Spanish-speaking lands. Rare, retro, and soft.

Did you know? Telma is a form of Thelma — a name popularised by novelist Marie Corelli in 1887 — whose meaning is uncertain, sometimes tied to Greek 'will; wish'; a vintage charmer (said 'TEL-mah').
Overall data confidence 40%
References — Telma — Thelma form; Marie Corelli coinage; meaning uncertain

Variations

ThelmaTelmahZelma

Nicknames

TelTelly

Famous Bearers

  • Famous bearers coming soon.

If you like Telma…

Thelma— the name it forms
Selma— a like -elma name
Velma— a like retro -elma name
Zelma— a like vintage -elma pick

Explore names like Telma

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Telma mean?

Telma is a form of Thelma, a name popularised by novelist Marie Corelli; its meaning is uncertain, sometimes linked to Greek 'will; wish.'

How do you pronounce Telma?

It's said TEL-mah /ˈtɛl.mə/ — 2 syllables, stress on the first.

Is Telma a boy or girl name?

Telma is a girl's name.

How popular is Telma?

Telma is a rare name in the U.S.

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