Vintage British Nicknames

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Thelma

The name Thelma peaked for boys at #750 in 1906. Thelma is occasionally used for girls in 2025.

The name Thelma is a girl's name of English origin.

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Though modern parents seeking to honor an ancestor named Thelma might opt for the airier Thea instead, Thelma is starting to make its way back onto adventurous vintage name lovers' radars. It is currently experiencing a revival in France, where ranked at the #250 mark in a recent year.
 The meaning of Thelma is unknown, although it is sometimes claimed to be derived from the Greek thelema "will". Alternative possibilities are that it's spin on Velma or Wilhelmina, meaning "resolute protection", a feminization of the saintly, Germanic Anthelm, meaning "zealous protection", or perhaps a spin on Ethelmary, meaning "noble and beloved" or "noble drop of the sea">.
 
It was extremely rare as a given name until British writer Marie Corelli used it for the Norwegian heroine of her eponymous novel in 1893. It went on to become a popular choice in the early 19th-century before falling out of style in the 80s. 
 In the English-speaking world, Thelma is associated with Geena Davis' character in the iconic female-centred crime movie Thelma and Louise (1991). It was also the birth name of first lady Pat Nixon.

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English

Nameberry

The name Thelma is currently ranked #976 in U.S. births. and peaked for girls at #25 in 1910. It is currently rising in popularity. The name is most popular in THELMA. Thelma is occasionally used for boys in 1969.

Kama

Year	US rank	Births	Per million
2014	—	0	0
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2018	—	0	0
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2020	—	0	0
2021	—	0	0
2022	—	0	0
2023	—	0	0
2024	—	0	0
2025	—	0	0

Thelma

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