Velma

♀ Girl

Pronounced VEL-mah /ˈvɛl.mɑ/High

Meaning: A form of Wilhelmina — from the Germanic wil, 'will; resolve', + helm, 'helmet; protection', hence 'resolute protection'Low

In 30 seconds: Resolute protection: Velma is a form of Wilhelmina. Crisp, retro, and warm.

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Origin LowGermanic

MeaningA form of Wilhelmina — from the Germanic wil, 'will; resolve', + helm, 'helmet; protection', hence 'resolute protection'

U.S. rank (2025)#5903 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births21 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1921

Total births (all-time)≈ 86,752

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

Velma is a form of Wilhelmina — from the Germanic wil, 'will; resolve', + helm, 'helmet; protection', hence 'resolute protection'. A crisp, retro name (said 'VEL-mah').

In the U.S. it peaked early-century and is now retro. Resolute-protection at the root, and crisp.

Did you know? Wilhelmina joins the Germanic wil, 'will', and helm, 'protection', hence 'resolute protection' — Velma is a form of it, crisp and retro (said 'VEL-mah').

Overall data confidence 40%

References — Velma — form of Wilhelmina

Variations

VellmaWilma

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

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If you like Velma…

Wilma— a kin Wilhelmina form

Thelma— a sound-neighbor -elma girls' name

Selma— a fellow -elma girls' name

Wilhelmina— the source name

Explore names like Velma

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Velma mean?

Velma is a form of Wilhelmina — Germanic 'resolute protection'.

How do you pronounce Velma?

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

Is Velma a boy or girl name?

Velma is a girl's name.

How popular is Velma?

Velma is a rare name today, retro.