Name Meaning & Origin
🔊 THEL-muh /θɛl.mə/
"Desire, longing"
Data last updated: 2025 SSA records
In Greek mythology, Thelma was a nymph. Her name means 'desire, longing'. In the Bible, Thelma is the name of a female saint. She was martyred during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians and is now venerated as a patron saint of the sick and the poor.
Thelma is a female given name. It was popularized by Victorian writer Marie Corelli who gave the name to the title character of her 1887 novel Thelma. Although the character was supposed to be Norwegian, it is not a traditional Scandinavian name. It may be related to a Greek word meaning "will, volition" see Thelema). Note that although consonant with another female given name, Selma, the two are not synonymous.
Thelma, a feminine given name, derived from the Hebrew word 'Thelma', meaning 'friend, companion'. In Christian tradition, the name Thelma signifies friendship with God, faith, and love. The name Thel…
Emotional Traits
Hidden Personality
Lucky Colors
Numerology: People with a 2 Life Path number are diplomats and peacemakers. They are nurturing, loving, and have a strong need to help others.
Life Path 5 — Freedom & Adventure: Versatile, curious, and love for exploration.
Cultural Impact
The name Thelma, originally of Greek origin, holds a deep cultural significance. In Greek mythology, Thelma was a nymph, representing the deep and intense longing or desire for something or someone. This cultural significance extends beyond mythology, and the name Thelma has been used to express longing or deep emotion. The popularity of the name Thelma peaked in the mid-twentieth century, reflecting the post-war desire for a fresh start and a new beginning. In pop culture, Thelma can be found in stories and songs that embody the longing or deep emotion it symbolizes.
Spiritual Significance
The name Thelma holds significant spiritual meaning, particularly for Christians. Thelma is the name of a female saint, venerated for her heroic martyrdom during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians. She is now revered as a patron saint of the sick and the poor. The name Thelma embodies the deep desire or longing for a closer connection to God and His divine providence. It serves as a reminder of the importance of remaining steadfast in faith, even in the face of adversity and suffering. The name Thelma inspires hope, courage, and resilience in those who bear it, and those who hear it, instilling a sense of awe and reverence for the divine nature of the name.
Age breakdown · state data · decade charts · popularity trend — all on the full statistics page.
Root element "Thelma" emerges in Greek tradition, carrying the core meaning "Desire, longing".
Used in English literary and religious texts, spreading through cultural exchange.
Carried across regions through trade, religion, and migration. Multiple spelling variants develop.
Standardized in its current form. Continues to be used across multiple cultures worldwide.
~226,571 people named Thelma in the US. Peaked in 1921 with 7,871 recorded uses.
Thelma of the Palatine, a 6th-century Byzantine princess who was a nun and abbess of a monastery in Rome.
Thelma of the Black Forest, a 13th-century German legend of a hermit girl who lived in the Black Forest and was venerated as a saint.
Modern Usage
The name Thelma has seen a resurgence in modern popular culture, often in a nostalgic or quirky context. On television, it's referenced in shows like The Goldbergs, which use it as a nod to classic films and stories like Thelma and Louise. On social media, Thelma has become a meme and trending topic, with users sharing content under the hashtag #ThelmaTrend. In literature, there have been modern retellings and novels featuring a character named Thelma, capitalizing on the name's nostalgic appeal.
Thelma means "Desire, longing" and is a popular Christian name with deep spiritual significance.
Yes, Thelma is a beautiful Christian name that carries positive meaning and is widely used in Christian communities around the world.
Thelma has Greek origins and is rooted in Christian tradition and culture.
The Life Path number for Thelma is 5, associated with Freedom & Adventure. Soul Urge: 6. Personality: 8.
Thelma is Predominantly Female. Based on US data, 1% male and 99% female.
Approximately 226,571 people in the United States are named Thelma. The name peaked in 1921 with 7,871 recorded uses.
Related Names
Similar Sounding
From Our Database
🔍 Look up another name's meaning