Elma - Name Meaning and Popularity -

Meaning of Elma

Elma is a female given name, pronounced EL-muh (ˈɛlmə), that traces back to the Old High German helm (“helmet, protection”) and later emerged as a shortened form of names like Amelia and Wilhelmina. It evokes the elm tree’s steadfast image in European lore and finds renewed favor among Latin American parents for its clear, two-syllable pattern. In the United States, Elma has consistently welcomed about 20 to 35 newborns annually over the past decade, securing the 920th spot in 2024. Its blend of historical depth, botanical resonance and cross-cultural versatility drives its steady, if modest, modern revival.