All about the name

Irma

Female

« Irma is a Germanic name derived from Old Norse Yrma, meaning 'universal,' with notable bearers including French singer Irma la Douce and Canadian politician Irma Henderson. »

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Meaning, origin, history

Irma is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse name Yrma. This name has been associated with various figures throughout history, most notably Irma la Douce, a French singer and entertainer who gained international fame in the mid-20th century. The meaning of the name Irma is believed to be "universal," which could refer to its widespread use across different cultures and languages. It has been translated into several forms around the world, including Irmgard in German-speaking countries and Herminia in Spanish-speaking ones. The name has also gained popularity in other parts of Europe, such as Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Irma. Apart from Irma la Douce, one of the most well-known figures is Irma Henderson, a Canadian politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1975 to 1986. Additionally, Irma Thomas is an American singer-songwriter known for her hit song "Time Is on My Side." In popular culture, the name Irma has been used in various works of fiction. It appears prominently in Tennessee Williams' play "The Night of the Iguana," where Irma is a character who represents temptation and sensuality. The name also features in the film "Casablanca," although it is not one of the main characters. Overall, Irma is an interesting and historic feminine given name with roots in Old Norse culture and widespread use across different languages and cultures throughout history.

In numbers

Popularity of the name Irma since 1880

Total births
73,649
Total since 1880
Peak year
1920
1,393 births
in 2023
68
Recent births (5 years)
5-year trend
+12%
vs previous 5 years