Find out how popular the first name Gilma has been for the last 25 years (from 1978 to 2002) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Gilma by gender

Based on the last 25 years of data, Gilma is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2002, there were 7 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Gilma.

The history of the first name Gilma

The given name Gilma has its origins rooted in ancient Germanic languages. Derived from the Proto-Germanic word "gilms," meaning "sacrifice" or "offering," it was initially used as a personal name among various Germanic tribes during the early medieval period.

Linguists trace its earliest usage to the 5th century AD, when it was commonly found among the Visigothic and Ostrogothic peoples who had migrated and settled across parts of modern-day Spain, France, and Italy. In these regions, variations such as "Gilmir" and "Gilmaro" were also prevalent.

While there are no definitive historical records or ancient texts that directly reference the name Gilma, its Germanic roots suggest a potential connection to pagan rituals and sacrificial practices of the era. However, this association remains speculative and subject to further scholarly research.

One of the earliest recorded individuals bearing the name Gilma was a Visigothic noblewoman who lived in the 6th century AD in the region of Hispania (modern-day Spain). Unfortunately, little is known about her life beyond her name's appearance in a few surviving documents from that time period.

In the 9th century, a Frankish monk and scholar named Gilma gained recognition for his contributions to the preservation of ancient manuscripts and his work in the monastic scriptoria of the Carolingian Empire.

During the 11th century, a Gilma of Salerno, an Italian physician and writer, authored several influential texts on medical practices and herbal remedies, which were widely circulated throughout Europe during the Middle Ages.

In the 13th century, a notable figure named Gilma von Staufen emerged as a influential courtier and advisor to the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II. Her political acumen and strategic counsel were highly valued within the imperial court.

Lastly, in the 15th century, a German artist and illuminator known as Gilma von Augsburg gained recognition for her exquisite illuminations and illustrations adorning several religious manuscripts and texts, which are now considered masterpieces of medieval art.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Gilma was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Gilma, please contact us.

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