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

Popularity of Zelma by gender

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

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 14 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Zelma.

The history of the first name Zelma

The name Zelma has its origins in the Old German language, where it was derived from the root words "zal" meaning "zeal" or "ardor," and "mann" meaning "man." The name was first recorded in the 8th century CE, during the Carolingian Renaissance period in Western Europe.

In its earliest form, the name was spelled "Zalmann" or "Zalmanna," and it was commonly used among the Frankish and Germanic tribes inhabiting the regions that now encompass parts of modern-day Germany, France, and the Benelux countries. The name's meaning was associated with qualities such as enthusiasm, passion, and fervor, which were highly valued in the warrior culture of the time.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Zelma can be found in the Annales Regni Francorum, a historical chronicle of the Carolingian dynasty, which mentions a nobleman named Zelma who participated in a military campaign against the Avars in the late 8th century.

As the name spread across Europe, it underwent various spelling variations, including Zelma, Zelmo, and Zelmer. In the 12th century, a Benedictine monk named Zelma from the Abbey of St. Gall in modern-day Switzerland was renowned for his scholarly contributions to the field of theology.

During the Renaissance period, the name Zelma gained prominence in Italy, where it was associated with the humanist movement. One notable figure was Zelma Piccolomini (1423-1490), an Italian scholar and diplomat who served as the bishop of Siena and played a significant role in the Council of Basel.

In the 17th century, Zelma Delille (1638-1713) was a French playwright and poet who gained recognition for her works in the classical tradition. Her plays were performed at the renowned Comédie-Française in Paris.

Another notable figure was Zelma von Arnim (1785-1859), a German writer and member of the Prussian nobility. She was part of the Romantic movement and is remembered for her contributions to German literature, particularly her novels and correspondence with prominent intellectuals of the time.

These are just a few examples of individuals throughout history who bore the name Zelma, demonstrating its enduring presence across various cultures and time periods, while carrying the essence of its original meaning rooted in passion and enthusiasm.

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

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

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