Find out how popular the first name Thelma has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Thelma by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Thelma is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 22 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Thelma.

The history of the first name Thelma

The name Thelma is a feminine given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "thelema," which means "will" or "desire." The name first appeared in ancient Greek literature and texts around the 5th century BC.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Thelma can be found in the works of the ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes, who lived from around 446 BC to 386 BC. In his comedies, he used the name Thelma as a character's name.

In the Middle Ages, the name Thelma was relatively uncommon, but it gained popularity during the Renaissance period. One of the earliest notable individuals with the name Thelma was Thelma of Lezignan (1225-1279), a French noblewoman who was the wife of Viscount Raymond I of Turenne.

Another historical figure with the name Thelma was Thelma Furness, Viscountess Furness (1904-1970), an English socialite and mistress of King Edward VIII of the United Kingdom. She was born Thelma Morgan and was known for her beauty and style.

In the 20th century, the name Thelma became more widely used, particularly in the United States. One of the most famous individuals with the name was Thelma Ritter (1905-1969), an American actress who was nominated for six Academy Awards for Best Supporting Actress.

Another notable Thelma was Thelma Carpenter (1922-1997), an American singer and actress who was known for her roles in Broadway musicals and Hollywood films. She was born Thelma Yvonne Carpenter.

Thelma Parr (1922-2007) was an American painter and sculptor who was part of the Abstract Expressionist movement. She was born Thelma Rone Parr and was known for her vibrant and dynamic artworks.

These are just a few examples of individuals with the name Thelma throughout history, showcasing its Greek origins and its use across various cultures and time periods.

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 Thelma was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

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

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