Names That Mean Helmet

Velma likely originated as a phonetic spelling of the German name Wilma, itself derived from Wilhelmina. Velma Dinkley is a smart, if nerdy, character in Scooby Doo.

Selma has recently been given a more youthful spin via actresses Selma Blair and Salma Hayek. But while Selma has not yet become popular again in the US, it is widely used in both Sweden and Norway.

Historically a diminutive of Wilhelmina, Elma's parent name and soundalike sisters are slowly stirring back to life as the trend for vintage baby names continues. With Alma on the rise in the US, Thelma chic in France, and Selma hot in Scandinavia, Elma could be in with a shot at a revival – especially given the popularity of Emma and Ella. But Muppet Elmo and Looney Tune Elmer Fudd may cast a long shadow.

Hilma is heard in Germany and the Scandinavian countries, and sometimes used as a shortening of Wilhelmina--though there are more appealing German names for girls. to be found. Hilma Wolitzer is an American novelist and the mother of author Meg Wolitzer.

A Top 10 name in Iceland, where it is also the name of an active volcano.

Old Norse name that lives on more appealingly in modern times as Jalmari, short form Jari. This form remains popular in Sweden, however.

A grandfather name in Norway, where it was a Top 5 name through the 1940s and '50s.

This cool surname and place name has multiple origins. As an Irish place name, it may derive from the Gaelic for "fair hilltop" or "head fort', while as a surname it comes from the Norse name Ketill, meaning "helmet, cauldron".

Helmer is best-known these days as a product line at Ikea, but if you're looking for an Old School Germanic name and want to move beyond Herman and Wilmer, Helmer may be your man.

Firmly in Dad name territory in Norway, where it peaked in the early 1970s.

Familiar in the US, Brazil, and Latvia in the early 20th century, Zelma has been off the radar for some time. While the Selma-Thelma-Velma connection might date it, with Zelda and Alma sparking recent interest and clunky names holding new appeal, Zelma may be one to reconsider.

Cool Finnish name ripe for import.

Swedish and Norwegian form of the Old Norse name Asketill.

Scottish form of Asketill or Askell

Associated with comedian Stephen Colbert, who uses the French pronunciation of his name as a bit (the rest of his family of origin use the English pronunciation).

Cornish form of William

Manx variant of the Norse name Asketill.

Malte began as a short form of the now-obsolete Ancient Germanic name Helmold. Helmold has gone extinct, but Malte has survived and is now enjoying a popularity resurgence in Germany and Sweden.

Derived from Germanic elements adal "noble" and helm "helmet", this Old French name was born by a 10th century saint. Alléaume and Aliaume are variant spellings.

This rare name is possibly a Romani version of William, or may derive from Old English elements meaning "wife" or "woman" and "land".