Thelma Name Meaning & Origin
/THEL-ma/Thelma is likely a name of American origin.
This analysis is AI-assisted and may contain errors. It is not individually reviewed by an onomast. Check important details against reliable sources or a qualified researcher. Analysis generated on June 17, 2026.
Name Origin
The name Thelma is of Greek origin, meaning 'will' or 'volition'. It gained popularity in the English-speaking world in the early 20th century, partly due to the influence of the 1911 novel 'Thelma' by Marie Corelli. It is primarily used as a female given name.
Name Ethnicity & Nationality
These estimates show the cultural and national origins most closely associated with this name. They describe the name, not an individual's identity.
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American (Anglo-American) 50% -
Swedish (Swedish) 31% -
French (French) 19%
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Name Details
- First Name: Thelma
- Name Order: Western
- Gender: Female
Famous People Named Thelma
Famous people named Thelma include Thelma Todd, an American actress and comedian from the early 20th century; Thelma Schoonmaker, an acclaimed American film editor; and Thelma Biral, an Argentine actress.
Popularity Trend
In 2025, 29 girls in the US were named Thelma.
Growth of the name Thelma in the US (SSA Data):
Thelma Numerology
Numerology is provided for entertainment only and is not scientific.
Soul Urge Number: 5
People with this name tend to be: Adventurous, freedom-loving and versatile.
Sources & Methodology
US popularity data comes from the Social Security Administration. Origin and ethnicity estimates are generated from name patterns and cultural distributions using AI-assisted analysis.
These results are estimates, not definitive genealogical findings. Learn more about our methodology.