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Alma Girl

Popularity: #416 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationAL-ma / /ˈæl.mə/

Latin; Hebrew

Meaning

Latin: nourishing; Hebrew: oak tree

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Alma has its roots in Latin, derived from the word "almus," which means "nourishing" or "kind." This etymological origin reflects a sense of care and sustenance, which has contributed to its appeal across various cultures. The name made its way into English through the influence of Latin during the medieval period, particularly as Latin was the language of the Church and scholarship in Europe. The name's introduction into English-speaking contexts can be traced back to the Renaissance, when classical names were revived and adopted more widely.

Historically, Alma has been associated with various significant figures and events. In the biblical context, Alma appears in the Book of Mormon, where it is the name of a prominent prophet and leader, which has contributed to its use among members of the Latter-day Saint movement since the 19th century. Additionally, the name has been borne by various saints and historical figures throughout the centuries, further embedding it in religious and cultural narratives.

Culturally, Alma has resonated as a symbol of nurturing and kindness, qualities that have made it a favored choice in various traditions. In some cultures, the name is also associated with the concept of the soul or spirit, enhancing its depth and significance. The name has several diminutive forms, such as Almy, which have been used in different regions, though Alma itself remains the most recognized form. Overall, the name's rich etymological background and historical associations contribute to its enduring presence in various cultures.

Trend Summary

Alma has seen a resurgence in popularity in the United States, particularly in the 21st century.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Almae
  • Almira

International Variants

  • Alma (Spanish)
  • Alma (Italian)
  • Alma (Portuguese)

Famous people named Alma

Alma Mahler is a composer and socialite best known for her marriages to Gustav Mahler and Franz Werfel.

Alma Thomas is an artist best known for her colorful abstract paintings and being a key figure in the Washington Color School.

Fictional characters named Alma

Alma Wade is a fictional character from the video game series F.E.A.R. She is a powerful and malevolent psychic entity central to the game's horror narrative.

Alma is a fictional character from the film Alma's Rainbow. She is a young woman navigating her identity and relationships in a vibrant community.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Alma was first seen in the United States in 1880. Alma has ranked as high as #126 nationally, which occurred in 1918, and has been most popular in California, Texas, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and New York. In the past 5 years the name Alma has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Alma (2024)

StateBirthsShare
CA 92
15%
TX 85
14%
FL 63
10%
NY 50
8%
MN 22
4%
IL 22
4%
WA 18
3%
OR 17
3%
NC 17
3%
NJ 17
3%
MA 16
3%
OH 16
3%
GA 16
3%
AZ 16
3%
VA 15
2%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
1880277
1881293
1882368
1883359
1884480
1885515
1886603
1887623
1888853
1889819
1890922
1891929
18921,056
18931,055
18941,177
18951,144
18961,243
18971,213
18981,299
18991,146
19001,372
19011,195
19021,229
19031,244
19041,257
19051,333
19061,266
19071,347
19081,474
19091,375
19101,630
19111,611
19122,183
19132,297
19142,648
19153,248
19163,403
19173,407
19183,650
19193,438
19203,584
19213,589
19223,233
19233,070
19243,240
19252,996
19262,990
19272,847
19282,496
19292,389
19302,380
19312,115
19322,045
19331,839
19341,903
19351,678
19361,610
19371,626
19381,558
19391,497
19401,428
19411,363
19421,407
19431,336
19441,217
19451,081
19461,170
19471,184
19481,160
19491,054
19501,052
1951981
19521,029
19531,088
19541,013
1955963
1956948
1957983
1958766
1959814
1960788
1961787
1962714
1963670
1964616
1965551
1966598
1967604
1968543
1969510
1970534
1971584
1972568
1973555
1974595
1975520
1976580
1977564
1978513
1979579
1980658
1981687
1982602
1983523
1984530
1985549
1986521
1987492
1988511
1989615
1990685
1991668
1992702
1993645
1994586
1995583
1996567
1997536
1998527
1999532
2000548
2001526
2002514
2003421
2004453
2005481
2006475
2007414
2008369
2009349
2010317
2011298
2012313
2013402
2014420
2015417
2016392
2017455
2018458
2019491
2020521
2021611
2022657
2023666
2024653