"divine will"
Origin: Greek
Language: English
Thelma
Pronunciation: [ th-EHLM-uh ]
Does Thelma flow with your last name?
A Victorian invention meaning will, revived by Ridley Scott
English
American
Scandinavian
Vintage
Bold
Classic
Strong
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Things to Know About This Name
- Strongly associated with Thelma and Louise (1991 film) — largely positive but carries an outlaw connotation
The Story of Thelma
Thelma was invented by the Victorian novelist Marie Corelli for her 1887 novel Thelma: A Norwegian Princess. Corelli derived it from the Greek thelema meaning will or volition — the philosophical concept of will as a divine or cosmic force. The name spread rapidly through the English-speaking world after the novel became a bestseller, becoming one of the rare names that can be traced to a specific literary invention.
Thelma was enormously popular in the English-speaking world from the 1880s through the 1950s. It faded in the 1960s-80s but has been showing signs of vintage revival, fueled by interest in retro names and the enduring cultural power of Thelma and Louise.
The 1991 Ridley Scott film Thelma and Louise transformed the name into a symbol of female freedom and rebellion. Geena Davis as Thelma and Susan Sarandon as Louise created one of cinema most iconic partnerships.
Historical Record
Thelma first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 22,442 babies have been named Thelma in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Thelma is past its peak , currently ranked #4,386 for girl names in the US .
Fun Facts
- Thelma was invented by novelist Marie Corelli in 1887 — making it one of the few popular names with a documented literary inventor
- The name means will in Greek, which takes on an ironic depth given the characters fierce determination in Thelma and Louise
Thelma in Other Languages
Spanish
Telma
Swedish
Thelma
Norwegian
Thelma
Popularity Over Time
#4,386
Current Rank
Rising
Trend
Peaked 1950
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
Famous People Named Thelma
T
Thelma Houston
Musician
1946
American R&B and soul singer, Grammy winner for Don't Leave Me This Way
T
Thelma Ritter
Actor
1902
American actress, six-time Academy Award nominee known for All About Eve and Rear Window
T
Thelma (film character) Fictional
Other
Thelma Dickinson, played by Geena Davis in Thelma and Louise (1991), one of cinema most iconic rebellious heroines
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Compare Thelma with:
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Girl
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #4,386
- Total SSA Count
- 32
- Cultural Origins
- English American Scandinavian
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Thel
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
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Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, English heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Thelma
7 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
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Also a Boy Name
Thelma is also used as a boy name, ranked #29541.
View Thelma as a boy name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Thelma
What does the name Thelma mean?
"divine will" (from Greek). Thelma was invented by the Victorian novelist Marie Corelli for her 1887 novel Thelma: A Norwegian Princess. Corelli derived it from the Greek thelema meaning will or volition — the philosophical concept of will as a divine or cosmic force. The name spread rapidly through the English-speaking world after the novel became a bestseller, becoming one of the rare names that can be traced to a specific literary invention.
What is the origin of the name Thelma?
Thelma has Greek, English, American, and Scandinavian origins. In Greek, it means "divine will".
Is Thelma a boy or girl name?
Thelma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it is ranked #4386. As a boy name, it is ranked #29541. Thelma is more commonly used as a girl name.
How do you pronounce Thelma?
Thelma is pronounced th-EHLM-uh.
How popular is the name Thelma?
Thelma is currently ranked #4386 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Thelma?
Common nicknames for Thelma include Thel.
What are good middle names for Thelma?
Popular middle name pairings include Thelma Mae, Thelma Rose, Thelma June, Thelma Louise, Thelma Grace, Thelma Jean, and Thelma Faye.
What are good sibling names for Thelma?
Names that pair well with Thelma as siblings include Velma, Mabel, Cora, Gladys, Hester, Louise, and Earl.
How many syllables does Thelma have?
Thelma has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Thelma a common or rare name?
Thelma is an uncommon name, ranked #4386 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.
About the Name Thelma
Thelma is a girl name with English, American, and Scandinavian origins . The name means "divine will" in Greek .
Is Thelma a boy or girl name? Thelma is used as both a girl and boy name. As a girl name, it ranks #4,386 in popularity. As a boy name, it ranks #29,541. Thelma is more commonly used as a girl name.
Thelma is currently ranked #4,386 in popularity for girl names in the United States.
The name Thelma has 2 syllables and is pronounced th-EHLM-uh, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Thelma include Thel. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.
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Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis