Azelma

Literary variation of Anselma, German
"God helmet; divine protection"

Azelma Origin and Meaning

The name Azelma is a girl's name of German origin meaning "God helmet; divine protection".

A literary choice that appears in Victor Hugo's 19th century classic, Les Misérables, Azelma is the second daughter of the Thénardiers, a sister to Eponine and later Gavroche. As a child, she is spoiled and pampered, but her adult life is spent in poverty, helping her parents with their various schemes; she does not appear in the popular musical adaptation of the novel.

While the exact origins of the name are unknown, it is likely a variation on Anselma (via Zelma and Selma), a German name meaning "God helmet" or more figuratively, "divine protection". Other possible sources of inspiration include Azelle, a French feminine form of the Hebrew Azel, meaning "reserved", or from Azelie, meaning "noble".

Azelma is also the name of a death metal band.