Welma

Welma is a feminine name that likely developed as a variant of Wilma, which itself originated as a feminine form of Wilhelm (William). The name has Germanic roots, with 'wil' meaning 'will' or 'desire' and 'helm' meaning 'helmet' or 'protection.' Welma presents a softer sound than its variant Wilma, with the 'e' creating a gentler phonetic impression. The name enjoyed modest popularity in the early 20th century but became less common in later decades. Today, Welma has a vintage charm that may appeal to parents looking for uncommon traditional names. Its simplicity and melodic quality give it an accessible elegance despite its relative rarity.

Pronounced WEL-muh.

As of October 2026, Welma ranked #5221 in US births in 1945 SSA, peaked at #2299 in 1929.