Thelma

English

"literary name"

Thelma Origin and Meaning

The name Thelma is a girl's name of Norwegian origin meaning "literary name".

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 modest revival in France, where it now ranks around the #300 mark.

The meaning of Thelma is unknown, although it is sometimes claimed to be derived from the Greek thelema "will". 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.

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.

Thelma Popularity

• 1919 Nameberry 2024