Telma Girl
Name Meaning & Origin Pronunciation: TEL-ma /ˈtɛl.mə/
Origin: Spanish; Portuguese
Meaning: Spanish: 'nurturing'; Portuguese: 'heavenly'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Telma has roots in the Greek language, derived from the word "telma," which means "a calm or still body of water." This etymology reflects a serene and tranquil quality, often associated with nature. The name entered the English language through various cultural exchanges, particularly during the periods of Greek influence on Roman culture and subsequently through the Latin language, where it was adapted into forms that were more familiar to Latin speakers.
Over time, the name has been embraced in various cultures, often retaining its original connotation of calmness and tranquility. Historically, the name Telma does not have significant references in major historical texts or figures, unlike some other names with more prominent biblical or royal associations.
However, it has been used in literature and art, particularly in the 20th century, where it has appeared in various works, contributing to its recognition. The name's gentle sound and meaning have made it appealing in different cultures, allowing it to persist through the ages, albeit without a singular historical milestone that defines its usage.
Culturally, Telma is often associated with qualities of peace and serenity, resonating with individuals who appreciate nature and calmness. This symbolic association has helped the name endure in various forms and adaptations across different languages and cultures.
While diminutive forms are less commonly noted, the name's soft phonetic quality lends itself to affectionate variations that may arise in familial or intimate contexts. Overall, Telma embodies a sense of tranquility that has allowed it to maintain relevance throughout its historical journey.
Famous people named Telma
In this section, you will find notable people named Telma. We include individuals across a wide range of fields, including actors known for their work in film, television, and stage productions. You'll also find musicians, directors, and other public figures named Telma who have made a significant impact on popular culture.
We also feature individuals named Telma who have made meaningful contributions to science, politics, athletics, literature, and other areas of public interest.
Please note that not every baby name in our database currently has a famous namesake listed. If you would like to suggest a name we may have missed or submit a correction, feel free to contact us. We review and finalize additions and corrections within 24 hours.
Telma Hopkins is an actress and singer best known for Family Matters, Gimme a Break!, and Half & Half.
Telma B. is a Brazilian singer and songwriter best known for her work in the Brazilian music scene.
Fictional characters named Telma
The following list of fictional characters named Telma is a work in progress. If you would like to suggest an additional character, please send us the character's name along with a brief, one-sentence description of what they are best known for.
You may also submit corrections, which we will review and update as quickly as possible.
Telma is a fictional character from the video game series The Legend of Zelda. She is the owner of the bar in Castle Town and provides guidance to the protagonist, Link, in his quest.
Sibling suggestions
If you're looking for sibling name ideas that pair well with Telma, the following options are frequently chosen as complementary choices by parents.
Similar names
Based on our extensive baby names database, several names share stylistic or phonetic similarities with Telma. These names can serve as alternatives to the sibling suggestions listed above and may help you find the perfect complementary name for your growing family.
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Telma was first seen in the United States in 1915.
Telma has ranked as high as #1077 nationally, which occurred in 1976, and has been most popular in Texas.
In the past 5 years the name Telma has been trending down compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
The name Telma is part of our comprehensive baby names database, which includes Social Security Administration (SSA) data dating back to 1880—the first official year of state and national tracking. The chart below shows when Telma was first recorded in the United States and illustrates how its popularity has risen and fallen over time.
Top States for Telma (1961)
We track the most popular states for each baby name every year and highlight the locations where the name appears most frequently. In some cases, you may see four or five states listed. However, we only display states where the name represents a significant percentage of births, so the number of states shown can range from one to several.
| State | Births | Share |
|---|---|---|
| TX | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
We track the national popularity of each baby name annually. The table below displays each year along with the number of births reported by the Social Security Administration. This data combines all state-level reporting from the SSA's baby names database to provide a comprehensive view of overall birth counts for Telma.
| Year | Births |
|---|---|
| 2024 | 6 |
| 2017 | 8 |
| 2003 | 5 |
| 2002 | 6 |
| 2001 | 5 |
| 1997 | 5 |
| 1996 | 11 |
| 1994 | 13 |
| 1992 | 5 |
| 1990 | 6 |
| 1989 | 6 |
| 1987 | 10 |
| 1986 | 6 |
| 1985 | 7 |
| 1984 | 5 |
| 1983 | 9 |
| 1982 | 6 |
| 1981 | 7 |
| 1980 | 8 |
| 1979 | 6 |
| 1978 | 5 |
| 1977 | 8 |
| 1976 | 13 |
| 1975 | 12 |
| 1974 | 8 |
| 1973 | 5 |
| 1971 | 8 |
| 1970 | 5 |
| 1969 | 6 |
| 1968 | 5 |
| 1967 | 6 |
| 1966 | 6 |
| 1965 | 5 |
| 1964 | 7 |
| 1963 | 6 |
| 1961 | 6 |
| 1957 | 8 |
| 1923 | 5 |
| 1915 | 5 |