Irma

Pronunciation: [ ERM-uh ]

Girl Name #2,608 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A powerful Germanic vintage with universal meaning

German Spanish Italian American

Vintage Classic Strong Traditional

Meaning & Origin

"whole, universal"

Origin: Germanic

Language: English

"war goddess (Irminsul mythology)"

Origin: Old Saxon

Language: German

Things to Know About This Name

Hurricane Irma (2017) may be associated with destruction in some communities

The Story of Irma

Irma is a short form of Germanic names containing the element 'ermen' or 'irmin,' meaning 'whole' or 'universal' — the same root that gives us Emma and Erma. In Germanic mythology, Irminsul was a sacred pillar said to hold up the world, connecting the name to cosmic significance. Irma has been used across German, Spanish, and Italian cultures for centuries, each adding their own phonetic flavoring to this ancient root.

Irma was a top-100 US name from the 1880s through the 1940s, peaking in the 1920s. Like many Germanic-origin names, it fell out of fashion after World War II as parents moved away from German associations. It experienced a brief spike in notoriety (though not popularity) after Hurricane Irma devastated the Caribbean and Florida in September 2017.

In German-speaking cultures, Irma connects to the Irminsul, the great pillar of the world in old Saxon religion. In Spain and Latin America, Irma remains in more common use than in English-speaking countries, associated with strength and completeness.

Fun Facts

Irma was a top-50 US name from 1900-1934, representing the height of German-American cultural influence
The name shares its Germanic root 'irmin' with the word 'enormous' — from the idea of something all-encompassing and huge

Irma in Other Languages

French Irma

German Irma

Italian Irma

Spanish Irma

Hungarian Irma

Famous People Named Irma

Irma Thomas

Musician

1941

American R&B and soul singer, 'Soul Queen of New Orleans,' known for 'Time Is on My Side'

Irma la Douce Fictional

Other

Fictional Parisian character from the 1963 film of the same name, played by Shirley MacLaine

Quick Facts

Gender: Girl
Syllables: 2
Popularity Rank: #2,608
Total SSA Count: 67
Cultural Origins: German Spanish Italian American
Pronunciation: Easy
Formality: Moderate
Cross-Cultural Ease: High

Common Nicknames

Irm

Pairs Well With

Irma Louise Irma Mae Irma Jean Irma Rose Irma Grace Irma Ann

Sibling Names

Gertrude Bertha Otto Karl Hildegard Alma

Also a Boy Name

Irma is also used as a boy name, ranked #38283.

View Irma as a boy name →

Similar Names

Ella Alma Emily Elva Selma Emmie Emeline Alba

Playground Safety

Kid-Friendly

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Frequently Asked Questions About Irma

What does the name Irma mean?

"whole, universal" (from Germanic). "war goddess (Irminsul mythology)" (from Old Saxon). Irma is a short form of Germanic names containing the element 'ermen' or 'irmin,' meaning 'whole' or 'universal' — the same root that gives us Emma and Erma. In Germanic mythology, Irminsul was a sacred pillar said to hold up the world, connecting the name to cosmic significance. Irma has been used across German, Spanish, and Italian cultures for centuries, each adding their own phonetic flavoring to this ancient root.

What is the origin of the name Irma?

Irma has Germanic, Old Saxon, German, Spanish, Italian, and American origins. In Germanic, it means "whole, universal". In Old Saxon, it means "war goddess (Irminsul mythology)".

Is Irma a boy or girl name?

Irma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #2608. As a boy name, it is ranked #38283. Irma is more commonly used as a girl name.

How do you pronounce Irma?

Irma is pronounced ERM-uh.

How popular is the name Irma?

Irma is currently ranked #2608 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

What are common nicknames for Irma?

Common nicknames for Irma include Irm.

What are good middle names for Irma?

Popular middle name pairings include Irma Louise, Irma Mae, Irma Jean, Irma Rose, Irma Grace, and Irma Ann.

What are good sibling names for Irma?

Names that pair well with Irma as siblings include Gertrude, Bertha, Otto, Karl, Hildegard, and Alma.

How many syllables does Irma have?

Irma has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.

Is Irma a common or rare name?

Irma is an uncommon name, ranked #2608 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

About the Name Irma

Irma is a girl name with German, Spanish, Italian, and American origins . The name means "whole, universal" in Germanic .

Is Irma a boy or girl name? Irma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #2,608 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #38,283. Irma is more commonly used as a girl name.

Irma is currently ranked #2,608 in popularity for girl names in the United States.

The name Irma has 2 syllables and is pronounced ERM-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.

Common nicknames for Irma include Irm. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.