Alma is a solemn, soulful, yet gentle sounding name that became fashionable in England following the Battle of Alma during the 19th century Crimean War. A name with multiple origins, Alma has subtle, international flair and plenty of vintage charm. 
 
From its Latin roots, Alma is linked to anima meaning "soul", and has the same meaning in modern Spanish, Portuguese and Italian. In Hebrew, it means "young woman", while in Kazakh, it means "apple". It also appears in the Book of Mormon as a masculine name. 
 In addition to being familiar via the term alma mater, Alma has many cultural ties, such as Alma Mahler, a 19th Century composer and musician and the character Alma Del Mar played by Michelle Williams in the 2005 film Brokeback Mountain. Other characters named Alma have appeared in Deadwood, The Hunger Games, American Horror Story, and The History of Love by Nicole Krauss. In the Tennessee Williams play Summer and Smoke, a character named Alma explains that her name is "Spanish for soul."
 
Given to 650 girls in the US in a recent year, Alma is a favorite in Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Norway, Uruguay, France, Denmark, and Argentina, where recent counts have seen it rank in the Top 20. It is also popular in England and Wales, Chile, Finland, and Israel. 
 
In tune with the likes of Anna, Emma, and Ella, along with Ada and Alba, we can see Alma also rising again in the US.

Alma

Addie Lou

Alice Alianore

Altha Carolina

Anna Catharina 

Anna Christina

Annie Isabelle

Annie May 

Bertha Lana

Callie Lilly

Cardella Alice 

Catherine Latitia

Celia Bayne

Celia Etta

Charlotte Margaret 

Cleo Louise

Daisy Mae 

Darcus Cordelia

Darcus Manurvey

Dollie Creola

MarisaRath's list "Names From the Past (girls)" of 20 great name ideas: Alma - Dollie Creola!

Names From the Past (girls)

Found these names in my family tree and a few other family trees.  Some are from as late as the early 1900's and some date back centuries.  These are American, English, Swiss, German, Irish and more.  First and middle.. I will do another list of only first names. 

Names From the Past (girls)

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