Origin of the Name Thelma

English writer Marie Corelli is credited for inventing the name Thelma. Corelli published her novel Thelma in 1887. As her third novel became popular in the 19th century, many expectant mothers in Great Britain wanted to name their baby girls Thelma. Thelma is of Portuguese origin.

Meaning of Thelma

Many people believe that the meaning Thelma comes from the Greek word for will.

Popularity of Thelma

The last time Thelma was at the height of popularity in the UK, it was the 1930s. From 1940 to 2010, the name Thelma declined sharply. In 2017, the name Thelma is 2208 in popularity.

Famous People Named Thelma

Thelma Barlow is a famous English actress and writer best known for the soap opera Coronation Street where she played the character Mavis Wilton.

Thelma Cazalet-Keir was known for being a British activist and member of the Conservative party in the 1920s and 1930s.

Thelma Hopkins isn’t to be confused with America singer Thelma Hopkins of Dawn.

Thelma Hopkins was a British athlete in the 1950s, who won a silver medal in the Summer Olympics in the high jump event. Hopkins is known for jumping 1.74 meters in the high jump at age 20.

Useful Resources

Discover the meaning and popularity of other English girls’ names.