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Home › Baby Names Directory › Thelma

Thelma

♀ Girl

Pronounced THEL-mah /ˈθɛl.mɑ/High

Meaning: From Greek thelema, 'will, volition, wish' — popularized by an 1887 novelMedium

In 30 seconds: Vintage and strong-willed: Thelma is Greek 'will, volition' — a spirited classic (Thelma & Louise). Retro charm with backbone.
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Origin MediumGreek
MeaningFrom Greek thelema, 'will, volition, wish' — popularized by an 1887 novel
U.S. rank (2025)#4745 ↘ Falling
2025 U.S. births29 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)
Peak year1921
Total births (all-time)≈ 225,458

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 192118802025

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

Thelma comes from Greek thelema, 'will, volition, wish' — popularized by Marie Corelli's 1887 novel Thelma (its coinage is sometimes debated, which we note). A spirited, retro classic.

It registers thinly today. Rare, will at the root, and spirited.

Did you know? Thelma comes from Greek thelema, 'will' — popularized by Marie Corelli's 1887 novel; Thelma & Louise made the vintage name iconic.
Overall data confidence 70%
Behind the Name — Thelma — coinage debated

Variations

TelmaThelmah

Nicknames

Thel

Famous Bearers

  • ★Thelma Houston (1946-)
    American soul and disco singer known for the 1977 hit "Don't Leave Me This Way"
  • ★Thelma Ritter (1902-1969)
    American actress who received six Academy Award nominations for supporting roles
  • ★Thelma Schoonmaker (1940-)
    American film editor and frequent collaborator with director Martin Scorsese, three-time Oscar winner
  • ★Thelma & Louise (film character)
    Iconic 1991 film pairing featuring Thelma Dickinson, played by Geena Davis

If you like Thelma…

Selma— a companion -lma name
Wilma— another retro -lma name
Alma— a fellow soft vintage name
Tracy— a similarly popular pick
Teddy— another Greek name

Explore names like Thelma

By themeuncertaingreekvintage

All themes →All meanings →All origins →

Frequently Asked

What does the name Thelma mean?

Thelma is from Greek thelema, 'will, volition'; its coinage is sometimes debated.

How do you pronounce Thelma?

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

Is Thelma a boy or girl name?

Thelma is a girl's name.

How popular is Thelma?

Thelma is a rare name in the U.S. today.

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