Sam vs Zelma

Baby Name Comparison — 2026

Sam

Boy #652 Most Popular 1 Syllable

Meaning

"name of God"

Origin: Hebrew

Cultural Roots

English American Hebrew Scandinavian

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#652
Total SSA Count
423
Syllables
1
Formality
Casual
Nicknames
Sammy

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Sam →

Zelma

Girl #6,713 Most Popular 2 Syllables

Meaning

"helmet of God, divine protection"

Origin: Germanic

Cultural Roots

German Scandinavian English American

Quick Stats

Popularity Rank
#6,713
Total SSA Count
17
Syllables
2
Formality
Moderate
Nicknames
Zel, Zellie, Elma

Playground Safety Score

✓ All Clear
Full profile for Zelma →

Popularity Comparison

Sam Rank #652
Zelma Rank #6,713

Sam is more popular, ranked #652 vs #6713 for Zelma.

Popularity Over Time

Historical US popularity rank — lower number means more popular.

Middle Name Pairings

Sam ___

  • Sam James
  • Sam Lee
  • Sam Alexander
  • Sam William
  • Sam Cole
  • Sam David

Zelma ___

  • Zelma Marie
  • Zelma Louise
  • Zelma Ann
  • Zelma Grace
  • Zelma Jean
  • Zelma Pearl

Sibling Name Ideas

Names that pair well as siblings.

If you choose Sam

Jack Lucy Ella Tom Lily

If you choose Zelma

Velma Thelma Alma Elna Mabel

Which Name Fits Your Family?

Answer 3 quick questions and we'll help you decide.

1. Which style feels more like your family?

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Sam or Zelma more popular?

Sam is more popular, ranked #652 compared to Zelma at #6713 in the United States.

What do Sam and Zelma mean?

Sam means "name of God" (Hebrew origin). Zelma means "helmet of God, divine protection" (Germanic origin).

Are Sam and Zelma boy or girl names?

Sam is primarily a boy name. Zelma is primarily a girl name.

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← Full profile: Sam ← Full profile: Zelma Browse all baby names