"nourishing, kind"
Origin: Latin
Language: Latin
Alma
Pronunciation: [ AHLM-uh ]
Girl Name
#472 Most Popular
Rising
2 Syllables
Soul in Spanish, nourishing in Latin — a name of depth
Latin
Spanish
English
Hebrew
Vintage
Elegant
Classic
Gentle
Earthy
Meaning & Origin
"soul"
Origin: Spanish
Language: Spanish
"young woman, maiden"
Origin: Hebrew
Language: Hebrew
The Story of Alma
Alma carries multiple linguistic roots, each adding to its rich meaning. From Latin, 'alma' is the feminine form of 'almus,' meaning nourishing or kind, used in classical Latin epithets like 'alma mater' (nourishing mother). In Spanish, 'alma' means soul. From Hebrew, Alma comes from 'almah,' meaning young woman or maiden, the same word used in Isaiah 7:14. This rare convergence of Latin, Spanish, and Hebrew meanings makes Alma an exceptionally meaningful name.
Alma was a top-100 US name in the early 20th century and faded mid-century as naming tastes shifted. It has been experiencing a stylish revival in the 2010s and 2020s, part of the trend reclaiming great-grandmother names: Hazel, Cora, Vera, and Alma are all back.
Alma Mahler — wife of composer Gustav Mahler and later of architect Walter Gropius and writer Franz Werfel — became one of the most culturally prominent women of early 20th century Vienna, making the name synonymous with artistic muse and intellectual life. In Spanish-speaking cultures, alma (soul) carries profound spiritual weight.
Fun Facts
- Alma Mater, meaning nourishing mother in Latin, is used worldwide to refer to one's university
- Alma Mahler was simultaneously involved with painter Oskar Kokoschka, composer Gustav Mahler, and architect Walter Gropius — a central figure of the Viennese artistic world
Alma in Other Languages
French
Alma
German
Alma
Hebrew
אַלְמָה
Italian
Alma
Spanish
Alma
Famous People Named Alma
A
Alma Cogan
Musician
1932
British singer who was one of the highest-paid female entertainers in the UK in the 1950s, known as The Girl with the La...
British singer who was one of the highest-paid female entertainers in the UK in the 1950s, known as The Girl with the Laugh in Her Voice
A
Alma Mahler
Other
1879
Austrian composer and cultural figure, wife of Gustav Mahler, Walter Gropius, and Franz Werfel; central muse of Viennese...
Austrian composer and cultural figure, wife of Gustav Mahler, Walter Gropius, and Franz Werfel; central muse of Viennese modernism
A
Alma Coin Fictional
Politician
Fictional President of District 13 and antagonist in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, played by Julianne Moor...
Fictional President of District 13 and antagonist in The Hunger Games series by Suzanne Collins, played by Julianne Moore in the films
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #472
- Total SSA Count
- 653
- Cultural Origins
- Latin Spanish English Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- High
Common Nicknames
Allie
Al
Pairs Well With
Alma Rose
Alma Jean
Alma Mae
Alma Claire
Alma Louise
Alma Frances
Alma Grace
Sibling Names
Also a Boy Name
Alma is also used as a boy name, ranked #8524.
View Alma as a boy name →Similar Names
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
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Frequently Asked Questions About Alma
What does the name Alma mean?
"nourishing, kind" (from Latin). "soul" (from Spanish). "young woman, maiden" (from Hebrew). Alma carries multiple linguistic roots, each adding to its rich meaning. From Latin, 'alma' is the feminine form of 'almus,' meaning nourishing or kind, used in classical Latin epithets like 'alma mater' (nourishing mother). In Spanish, 'alma' means soul. From Hebrew, Alma comes from 'almah,' meaning young woman or maiden, the same word used in Isaiah 7:14. This rare convergence of Latin, Spanish, and Hebrew meanings makes Alma an exceptionally meaningful name.
What is the origin of the name Alma?
Alma has Latin, Spanish, Hebrew, and English origins. In Latin, it means "nourishing, kind". In Spanish, it means "soul". In Hebrew, it means "young woman, maiden".
Is Alma a boy or girl name?
Alma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #472. As a boy name, it is ranked #8524. Alma is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Alma?
Alma is pronounced AHLM-uh.
How popular is the name Alma?
Alma is currently ranked #472 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Alma?
Common nicknames for Alma include Allie and Al.
What are good middle names for Alma?
Popular middle name pairings include Alma Rose, Alma Jean, Alma Mae, Alma Claire, Alma Louise, Alma Frances, and Alma Grace.
What are good sibling names for Alma?
Names that pair well with Alma as siblings include Cora, Vera, Flora, Hazel, Nora, Ernest, and Aldo.
How many syllables does Alma have?
Alma has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Alma a common or rare name?
Alma is a popular name, ranked #472 for girls. It is well-known without being overused.
About the Name Alma
Alma is a girl name with Latin, Spanish, English, and Hebrew origins . The name means "nourishing, kind" in Latin .
Is Alma a boy or girl name? Alma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #472 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #8,524. Alma is more commonly used as a girl name.
Alma is currently ranked #472 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Alma has 2 syllables and is pronounced AHLM-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Alma include Allie and Al. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.