Elma is a name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse word "álmr", which means "elm tree". It is also associated with the Germanic element "helma" meaning "protection or helmet". The name has been used throughout history and has been popular in various cultures.
The earliest known use of the name Elma was in Sweden during the Middle Ages. It was traditionally given to girls, but in some cases, it could also be used for boys. In Scandinavian countries, the name is often found alongside other tree-related names such as Birgit, Astrid, and Gunilla.
In English-speaking countries, Elma has been used sporadically throughout history, but it gained more popularity during the 19th century when it was sometimes used as a short form of Elizabeth or a variant of Amelia. Today, Elma is still considered an uncommon name in many parts of the world, making it unique and distinctive.
Overall, Elma is a name with deep roots in Scandinavian history and culture. Its meaning of "elm tree" gives it a natural and earthy feel, while its association with protection or helmet offers a sense of strength and resilience. Despite being relatively uncommon today, Elma remains a beautiful and meaningful choice for parents looking for a unique name for their child.
Based on the statistics provided, it appears that the name Elma was quite popular during the early to mid-20th century in the United States. The highest number of births with the name Elma occurred in 1916, with a total of 23 births.
However, after 1957, there is no further data provided, so it's difficult to determine how popular the name remained beyond that point. It's possible that its popularity decreased as new trends and preferences emerged for baby names over time.
Nonetheless, during its peak years, Elma was a common choice among parents in the United States.