Anselma is a unique and beautiful female name of German origin. It is derived from the Germanic elements "ans" meaning "god" and "helm" which means "helmet". Therefore, Anselma can be interpreted as "protected by God".
The name Anselma has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages in Europe. It was borne by several notable figures throughout history, including Saint Anselma of Milan, an Italian noblewoman who became a Benedictine nun and was later canonized for her piety and miracles.
Anselma is not a particularly common name today, but it has been used in various forms across different cultures over the centuries. It may have fallen out of fashion in some regions, but its unique meaning and history make it a compelling choice for parents looking for an distinctive name with deep roots.
In terms of its popularity, Anselma does not rank high on most lists of baby names. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, there were only five girls named Anselma born in 2019, out of over three million total births that year. This rarity can make it an appealing choice for those seeking a unique and meaningful name.
Overall, Anselma is a charming and distinctive female name with a strong historical significance. Its meaning as "protected by God" imbues it with a sense of strength and spirituality, while its German origins add to its unique character. Despite not being widely used today, Anselma remains an intriguing option for parents looking for something different for their daughter's name.
The name Anselma experienced a varied range of popularity over the years in the United States, with peaks and valleys in its usage as a given name for newborns.
From 1916 to 1920, there was an average of about 9 births per year with this name. The highest number during this period occurred in 1922 with 11 births. This trend continued until the late 1930s where we see a steady decline in popularity, with numbers ranging from 5 to 8 births per year.
Interestingly, there was another resurgence of the name Anselma in the 1960s and 1980s, albeit at much lower frequencies. In 1960 and 1981, there were 6 and 5 births respectively, indicating a continued, albeit rare, use of the name.
Overall, from 1916 to 2014 (assuming 1999 is the latest year for which data is available), there have been a total of 189 babies named Anselma in the United States. While it's clear that Anselma was not among the most popular names during this period, its usage throughout the years demonstrates its enduring presence as a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking to honor their children with something different.