Zelma Name: Complete Etymology, Meaning & Popularity Analysis
Summary
Zelma is a Hebrew name that means peace or calm. It evolved from the name Selma and has been used in various forms throughout history. The name is linked to tranquility and has gained some popularity in the past, although it is less common today. It has no biblical relevance but is associated with positive traits. Notable people with this name include Zelma Davis, who is known for her contributions to music.
The name Zelma is most popular in Arkansas, USA across all generations. It ranks highest as a Girl name among the G.I. Generation generation in the South region. Recent 3-year trends show this Boy name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. Recent 3-year trends show this Girl name is maintaining steady popularity, while the 25-year trend indicates it has been relatively stable. From 2020-2022, Zelma has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. The long-term 25-year analysis reveals it has been stalled for female in MidWest, stalled for female in Northeast, stalled for female in South, stalled for female in West. Across generations, 'Zelma' has shown interesting popularity patterns: Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 3806th out of 7545 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 4578th out of 6773 names. Among the G.I. Generation (1901-1927), it ranked 288th out of 9107 names. Among the Silent Generation (1928-1945), it ranked 457th out of 9204 names. Among the Baby Boomers (1946-1964), it ranked 1053rd out of 12526 names. Among the Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980), it ranked 3287th out of 19264 names. Among the Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996), it ranked 9571st out of 27321 names. Among the Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012), it ranked 14529th out of 35406 names. Among the Generation Alpha (2013-2024), it ranked 9053rd out of 30306 names. Discover how the name 'Zelma' has evolved through American history with our comprehensive regional and generational analysis.
Etymology & Cultural Background of "Zelma"
Pronunciation
/ˈzɛlmə/
Origin
Hebrew
Etymology
Zelma is derived from the Hebrew name 'Selma', which means 'peace' or 'calm'. The name has been associated with tranquility and harmony.
Meaning
peace, calm
Language Evolution
Selma, Zelma
Historical Usage
Zelma gained popularity in the late 19th to early 20th centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries. The name has seen varied usage over time, often linked to its peaceful connotations.
Variants & Derivatives
Selma, Zelma
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, Zelma is considered a vintage name, often viewed with nostalgia and charm. It is not widely used today but carries a unique and elegant image.
Famous People
Zelma Davis, an American singer and member of the group Sweet Sensation.
Explore More Zelma Name Visualizations
Historical Birth Statistics for the Name "Zelma"
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History of "Zelma"
"Zelma" Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Total Names |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 3806th of 7545 | 72 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 4578th of 6773 | 35 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 288th of 9107 | 8,982 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 457th of 9204 | 4,180 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 1053rd of 12526 | 1,809 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 3287th of 19264 | 328 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 9571st of 27321 | 103 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 14529th of 35406 | 82 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 9053rd of 30306 | 138 |
Regional Popularity of "Zelma" by Generation for Male Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
- | - | - | - |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
- | - | - | - |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- | - | - | - |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
Regional Popularity of "Zelma" by Generation for Female Names
| TOP(%) | MidWest | Northeast | South | West |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) |
19.92% 282nd/1416 |
39.38% 543rd/1379 |
9.81% 232nd/2366 |
34.06% 389th/1142 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) |
31.37% 485th/1546 |
48.46% 754th/1556 |
14.41% 339th/2353 |
52.10% 806th/1547 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) |
58.11% 1294th/2227 |
63.42% 1541st/2430 |
25.94% 740th/2853 |
59.28% 1645th/2775 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) |
- |
94.83% 3303rd/3483 |
68.33% 2404th/3518 |
100.00% 4044th/4044 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) |
- | - | - | - |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) |
- | - | - | - |
State-by-State Popularity of "Zelma"
This map shows the relative popularity of "Zelma" across states, calculated by dividing the number of births with this name in each state by the total births in that state. This methodology provides a standardized measure of popularity regardless of state population size.