Alma Name Meaning

Helen Doanna

By Helen Doanna

Lastest Updated July 9, 2024
Home » Baby Names » Alma Name Meaning

Fact: Alma Thomas made history in 1972 as the first African-American woman to have a solo exhibition at the Whitney Museum of American Art.

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A Deep Dive

Alma Overview

Meaning

Nourishing, soul, young woman

Gender

Girl

Origin

Latin

Etymology

Originated from the Latin word “almus,” meaning nurturing or kind.

Pronunciation

/ˈɑlmə/

Popularity

Alma enjoys global recognition, particularly in countries like Spain, Italy, and Sweden. In the USA, Alma ranked 461st for girls in 2023

Syllable

2 syllables

Length

4 letters

Numerology

9 (Humanitarian, Selfless, Creative)

Name Styles

Classic, Vintage, Traditional, Short

Associated Traits

Nurturing, kind, compassionate, elegant

Spiritual, Religious, or Cultural Significance

Alma is often associated with nurturing and kindness, reflecting its Latin roots. It has also been used in various literary and religious contexts, emphasizing its timeless and universal appeal.

Name Day

August 1st (Hungary)
A Deep Dive

Alma Variations in Different Cultures

Popular Variations

Amara, Elma, Alina, Amalia, Alba

Common Nicknames

Allie, Mimi, Ali, Al, El

Diminutives

Almie, Almy, Alma-B

Famous People

  • Alma Mahler
    (Austrian Composer)
  • Alma Thomas
    (American Painter)
  • Alma Reville
    (British Screenwriter)
  • Alma Kruger
    (American Actress)
  • Alma Adams
    (American Politician)

Pop Culture Icons and Works

  • Alma Coin
    ("The Hunger Games," Film Series)
  • "Alma"
    (Short Film)
  • Alma Garret
    ("Deadwood," TV Series)
  • Alma Winemiller
    ("Summer and Smoke," Play)
  • Alma
    ("Encanto," Animated Film)

Places

  • Alma City
    (Michigan, USA)
  • Alma Park
    (Quebec, Canada)
  • Alma Bay
    (Queensland, Australia)
  • Alma Lake
    (Ontario, Canada)

What Is the Meaning of Alma?

The name Alma means “nourishing” or “soul” or “young woman” and is often linked to a nurturing spirit. This name evokes warmth, compassion, and a supportive nature.

What Is the Origin of The Name Alma?

The name Alma originates from the Latin word “almus,” which means “nourishing” or “kind.” Additionally, in Arabic, Alma comes from “عَلْم” (ʿilm), meaning “knowledge” or “learned.” These linguistic roots highlight the name’s rich and varied heritage across different cultures.

Alma Name Popularity

Popularity Chart of the Name Alma in the U.S. over the Years

United States flagUnited States#5072021#4812022#4612023
Top 3 Rankings#511896#511897#511899

Annual Statistics Breakdown for Alma

YearName RankingNumber of BirthsBirth Rate (%)
2023461
(+20 from 2022)
663
(+7 from 2022)
0.03790
2022481
(+26 from 2021)
656
(+45 from 2021)
0.03659
2021507
(+59 from 2020)
611
(+91 from 2020)
0.03410
2020566
(+49 from 2019)
520
(+29 from 2019)
0.02942
2019615
(+32 from 2018)
491
(+33 from 2018)
0.02676
2018647
(+4 from 2017)
458
(+3 from 2017)
0.02463
2017651
(+73 from 2016)
455
(+63 from 2016)
0.02408
2016724
(-40 from 2015)
392
(-25 from 2015)
0.02025
2015684
(-8 from 2014)
417
(-3 from 2014)
0.02138
2014676
(+25 from 2013)
420
(+18 from 2013)
0.02147
2013701
(+151 from 2012)
402
(+89 from 2012)
0.02085
2012852
(+23 from 2011)
313
(+15 from 2011)
0.01614
2011875
(-29 from 2010)
298
(-19 from 2010)
0.01538
2010846
(-37 from 2009)
317
(-32 from 2009)
0.01617
2009809
(-20 from 2008)
349
(-20 from 2008)
0.01723
2008789
(-84 from 2007)
369
(-45 from 2007)
0.01772
2007705
(-91 from 2006)
414
(-60 from 2006)
0.01956
2006614
(-22 from 2005)
474
(-6 from 2005)
0.02267
2005592
(+16 from 2004)
480
(+27 from 2004)
0.02365
2004608
(+27 from 2003)
453
(+32 from 2003)
0.02245
2003635
(-103 from 2002)
421
(-93 from 2002)
0.02098
2002532
(-20 from 2001)
514
(-12 from 2001)
0.02603
2001512
(-21 from 2000)
526
(-22 from 2000)
0.02655
2000491
(-3 from 1999)
548
(+17 from 1999)
0.02746
1999488
(-4 from 1998)
531
(+4 from 1998)
0.02728
1998484
(-18 from 1997)
527
(-9 from 1997)
0.02719
1997466
(-20 from 1996)
536
(-31 from 1996)
0.02807
1996446
(-6 from 1995)
567
(-16 from 1995)
0.02957
1995440
(-11 from 1994)
583
(-3 from 1994)
0.03034
1994429
(-36 from 1993)
586
(-59 from 1993)
0.03006
1993393
(-28 from 1992)
645
(-57 from 1992)
0.03272
1992365
(+21 from 1991)
702
(+34 from 1991)
0.03502
1991386
No change from 1990
668
(-17 from 1990)
0.03285
1990386
(+14 from 1989)
685
(+70 from 1989)
0.03334
1989400
(+44 from 1988)
615
(+104 from 1988)
0.03087
1988444
(+3 from 1987)
511
(+19 from 1987)
0.02657
1987447
(-27 from 1986)
492
(-29 from 1986)
0.02625
1986420
(-11 from 1985)
521
(-28 from 1985)
0.02823
1985409
(-10 from 1984)
549
(+19 from 1984)
0.02973
1984399
(+13 from 1983)
530
(+7 from 1983)
0.02939
1983412
(-30 from 1982)
523
(-79 from 1982)
0.02922
1982382
(-42 from 1981)
602
(-85 from 1981)
0.03318
1981340
(+18 from 1980)
687
(+29 from 1980)
0.03841
1980358
(+25 from 1979)
658
(+79 from 1979)
0.03695
1979383
(+19 from 1978)
579
(+66 from 1978)
0.03360
1978402
(-27 from 1977)
513
(-51 from 1977)
0.03121
1977375
(-13 from 1976)
564
(-16 from 1976)
0.03429
1976362
(+29 from 1975)
580
(+60 from 1975)
0.03690
1975391
(-29 from 1974)
520
(-75 from 1974)
0.03331
1974362
(+16 from 1973)
595
(+40 from 1973)
0.03799
1973378
(+1 from 1972)
555
(-13 from 1972)
0.03571
1972379
(+8 from 1971)
568
(-16 from 1971)
0.03522
1971387
(+33 from 1970)
584
(+50 from 1970)
0.03332
1970420
(+7 from 1969)
534
(+24 from 1969)
0.02915
1969427
(-30 from 1968)
510
(-33 from 1968)
0.02893
1968397
(-32 from 1967)
543
(-61 from 1967)
0.03176
1967365
(+5 from 1966)
604
(+6 from 1966)
0.03518
1966370
(+27 from 1965)
598
(+47 from 1965)
0.03406
1965397
(-9 from 1964)
551
(-65 from 1964)
0.03015
1964388
(-14 from 1963)
616
(-54 from 1963)
0.03147
1963374
(-18 from 1962)
670
(-44 from 1962)
0.03370
1962356
(-22 from 1961)
714
(-73 from 1961)
0.03523
1961334
No change from 1960
787
(-1 from 1960)
0.03789
1960334
(-2 from 1959)
788
(-26 from 1959)
0.03789
1959332
(+7 from 1958)
814
(+47 from 1958)
0.03916
1958339
(-51 from 1957)
767
(-215 from 1957)
0.03713
1957288
(-4 from 1956)
982
(+34 from 1956)
0.04680
1956284
(-7 from 1955)
948
(-15 from 1955)
0.04603
1955277
(-17 from 1954)
963
(-49 from 1954)
0.04803
1954260
(-15 from 1953)
1012
(-77 from 1953)
0.05083
1953245
(+1 from 1952)
1089
(+60 from 1952)
0.05644
1952246
No change from 1951
1029
(+48 from 1951)
0.05410
1951246
(-14 from 1950)
981
(-71 from 1950)
0.05311
1950232
(-3 from 1949)
1052
(-2 from 1949)
0.05982
1949229
(-15 from 1948)
1054
(-106 from 1948)
0.06004
1948214
(+1 from 1947)
1160
(-24 from 1947)
0.06656
1947215
(-7 from 1946)
1184
(+14 from 1946)
0.06513
1946208
(-20 from 1945)
1170
(+89 from 1945)
0.07254
1945188
(-12 from 1944)
1081
(-136 from 1944)
0.08031
1944176
(-2 from 1943)
1217
(-120 from 1943)
0.08906
1943174
(-9 from 1942)
1337
(-69 from 1942)
0.09314
1942165
(-1 from 1941)
1406
(+43 from 1941)
0.10112
1941164
(-12 from 1940)
1363
(-65 from 1940)
0.10939
1940152
(-2 from 1939)
1428
(-69 from 1939)
0.12088
1939150
(-3 from 1938)
1497
(-61 from 1938)
0.13200
1938147
(-9 from 1937)
1558
(-68 from 1937)
0.13649
1937138
(-1 from 1936)
1626
(+16 from 1936)
0.14757
1936137
(-5 from 1935)
1610
(-68 from 1935)
0.14941
1935132
(-9 from 1934)
1678
(-225 from 1934)
0.15440
1934123
(+1 from 1933)
1903
(+64 from 1933)
0.17582
1933124
(-5 from 1932)
1839
(-206 from 1932)
0.17581
1932119
(-5 from 1931)
2045
(-70 from 1931)
0.18485
1931114
(-5 from 1930)
2115
(-265 from 1930)
0.19163
1930109
(-3 from 1929)
2380
(-8 from 1929)
0.20404
1929106
(+1 from 1928)
2388
(-109 from 1928)
0.20630
1928107
(-10 from 1927)
2497
(-350 from 1927)
0.20886
192797
(-6 from 1926)
2847
(-143 from 1926)
0.23026
192691
(+3 from 1925)
2990
(-6 from 1925)
0.24306
192594
(-7 from 1924)
2996
(-244 from 1924)
0.23720
192487
(+2 from 1923)
3240
(+170 from 1923)
0.25006
192389
(-5 from 1922)
3070
(-163 from 1922)
0.24512
192284
(-6 from 1921)
3233
(-356 from 1921)
0.25914
192178
(+2 from 1920)
3589
(+5 from 1920)
0.28045
192080
(-4 from 1919)
3584
(+146 from 1919)
0.28810
191976
(-3 from 1918)
3438
(-212 from 1918)
0.29269
191873
(-2 from 1917)
3650
(+243 from 1917)
0.30357
191771
(-1 from 1916)
3407
(+4 from 1916)
0.30320
191670
No change from 1915
3403
(+155 from 1915)
0.31343
191570
(-1 from 1914)
3248
(+600 from 1914)
0.31723
191469
(-5 from 1913)
2648
(+351 from 1913)
0.33240
191364
(-2 from 1912)
2297
(+114 from 1912)
0.35073
191262
No change from 1911
2183
(+572 from 1911)
0.37207
191162
(-1 from 1910)
1611
(-19 from 1910)
0.36463
191061
No change from 1909
1630
(+255 from 1909)
0.38853
190961
(-8 from 1908)
1375
(-99 from 1908)
0.37355
190853
(+5 from 1907)
1474
(+127 from 1907)
0.41576
190758
(-1 from 1906)
1347
(+81 from 1906)
0.39919
190657
(-1 from 1905)
1266
(-67 from 1905)
0.40391
190556
(-1 from 1904)
1333
(+76 from 1904)
0.43019
190455
(-2 from 1903)
1257
(+13 from 1903)
0.42984
190353
(+2 from 1902)
1244
(+15 from 1902)
0.44717
190255
(-3 from 1901)
1229
(+34 from 1901)
0.43841
190152
(+5 from 1900)
1195
(-177 from 1900)
0.47005
190057
(-6 from 1899)
1372
(+226 from 1899)
0.43180
189951
(+1 from 1898)
1146
(-153 from 1898)
0.46305
189852
(-1 from 1897)
1299
(+86 from 1897)
0.47384
189751
No change from 1896
1213
(-30 from 1896)
0.48857
189651
(+4 from 1895)
1243
(+99 from 1895)
0.49327
189555
(-3 from 1894)
1144
(-33 from 1894)
0.46296
189452
(+2 from 1893)
1177
(+122 from 1893)
0.49879
189354
(+2 from 1892)
1055
(-1 from 1892)
0.46841
189256
(-1 from 1891)
1056
(+127 from 1891)
0.46951
189155
(+2 from 1890)
929
(+7 from 1890)
0.47261
189057
(+5 from 1889)
922
(+103 from 1889)
0.45720
188962
(-4 from 1888)
819
(-34 from 1888)
0.43283
188858
(+5 from 1887)
853
(+230 from 1887)
0.45026
188763
(-1 from 1886)
623
(+20 from 1886)
0.40084
188662
(+6 from 1885)
603
(+88 from 1885)
0.39224
188568
(+2 from 1884)
515
(+35 from 1884)
0.36281
188470
(+9 from 1883)
480
(+121 from 1883)
0.34888
188379
(-5 from 1882)
359
(-9 from 1882)
0.29902
188274
(+4 from 1881)
368
(+75 from 1881)
0.31808
188178
(+4 from 1880)
293
(+16 from 1880)
0.29639
188082
First SSA data recorded
277
First SSA data recorded
0.28380

American States Popularity Rankings for Alma

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Number of Births )

Texas (TX)

Texas (TX) flagTexas (TX)#6052021#4762022#5482023

California (CA)

California (CA) flagCalifornia (CA)#3832021#3862022#3342023

North Carolina (NC)

North Carolina (NC) flagNorth Carolina (NC)#5802021#5792022#6352023

Pennsylvania (PA)

Pennsylvania (PA) flagPennsylvania (PA)#5742021#3762022#5912023

New York (NY)

New York (NY) flagNew York (NY)#2882021#3392022#2902023

Kentucky (KY)

Kentucky (KY) flagKentucky (KY)#7312020#7402022#4242023

Georgia (GA)

Georgia (GA) flagGeorgia (GA)#7932021#5802022#8222023

Tennessee (TN)

Tennessee (TN) flagTennessee (TN)#4502021#6012022#5702023

Illinois (IL)

Illinois (IL) flagIllinois (IL)#4962021#5492022#4322023

Ohio (OH)

Ohio (OH) flagOhio (OH)#7812021#6572022#5032023

Alabama (AL)

Alabama (AL) flagAlabama (AL)#8392021#7472022#6212023

Virginia (VA)

Virginia (VA) flagVirginia (VA)#6382021#6462022#3912023

Louisiana (LA)

Louisiana (LA) flagLouisiana (LA)#5802021#8522022#6272023

Missouri (MO)

Missouri (MO) flagMissouri (MO)#7442021#7322022#6542023

Mississippi (MS)

Mississippi (MS) flagMississippi (MS)#4461974#3831976#5422023

Arkansas (AR)

Arkansas (AR) flagArkansas (AR)#5522007#4862008#4862023

South Carolina (SC)

South Carolina (SC) flagSouth Carolina (SC)#7812009#6602015#6552017

Florida (FL)

Florida (FL) flagFlorida (FL)#3522021#2472022#3392023

Oklahoma (OK)

Oklahoma (OK) flagOklahoma (OK)#6272020#5382022#5382023

West Virginia (WV)

West Virginia (WV) flagWest Virginia (WV)#2951962#2591963#2951971

Indiana (IN)

Indiana (IN) flagIndiana (IN)#8432021#4762022#6932023

Michigan (MI)

Michigan (MI) flagMichigan (MI)#8112021#7042022#6032023

New Jersey (NJ)

New Jersey (NJ) flagNew Jersey (NJ)#3652021#6772022#4012023

Arizona (AZ)

Arizona (AZ) flagArizona (AZ)#5122021#5182022#5892023

Massachusetts (MA)

Massachusetts (MA) flagMassachusetts (MA)#3092021#3162022#3062023

Kansas (KS)

Kansas (KS) flagKansas (KS)#5922019#5862021#5782023

Maryland (MD)

Maryland (MD) flagMaryland (MD)#5292021#4752022#5132023

Minnesota (MN)

Minnesota (MN) flagMinnesota (MN)#2452021#2712022#2462023

Washington (WA)

Washington (WA) flagWashington (WA)#3832021#3642022#5082023

Iowa (IA)

Iowa (IA) flagIowa (IA)#5832017#3792020#5812021

Colorado (CO)

Colorado (CO) flagColorado (CO)#3702021#6322022#2732023

Wisconsin (WI)

Wisconsin (WI) flagWisconsin (WI)#6012021#4332022#4502023

North Dakota (ND)

North Dakota (ND) flagNorth Dakota (ND)#1811937#1791938#1741939

Nebraska (NE)

Nebraska (NE) flagNebraska (NE)#2501943#2911957#4212021

Oregon (OR)

Oregon (OR) flagOregon (OR)#2992021#2852022#3692023

South Dakota (SD)

South Dakota (SD) flagSouth Dakota (SD)#1091935#1561936#1711943

New Mexico (NM)

New Mexico (NM) flagNew Mexico (NM)#3242015#3632018#2612022

Connecticut (CT)

Connecticut (CT) flagConnecticut (CT)#5112017#3852022#4142023

District of Columbia (DC)

District of Columbia (DC) flagDistrict of Columbia (DC)#2222018#1502019#1722022

Maine (ME)

Maine (ME) flagMaine (ME)#1971939#1891942#2031944

Montana (MT)

Montana (MT) flagMontana (MT)#1341935#1721941#1821950

Idaho (ID)

Idaho (ID) flagIdaho (ID)#2661982#3132005#3802017

Hawaii (HI)

Hawaii (HI) flagHawaii (HI)#2631959#2771964#2331975

Utah (UT)

Utah (UT) flagUtah (UT)#4652021#5352022#4082023

Nevada (NV)

Nevada (NV) flagNevada (NV)#5422017#4722018#3842021

Rhode Island (RI)

Rhode Island (RI) flagRhode Island (RI)#1331927#1401930#1661942

Vermont (VT)

Vermont (VT) flagVermont (VT)#1071923#761924#991943

New Hampshire (NH)

New Hampshire (NH) flagNew Hampshire (NH)#961927#1181928#1151929

Wyoming (WY)

Wyoming (WY) flagWyoming (WY)#911930#751931#911934

Delaware (DE)

Delaware (DE) flagDelaware (DE)#901918#961920#751930

Popularity Rankings for Alma in other Countries and American Territories

(From the Most to Least Popular, Based on Rankings)

Popularity in Denmark

Denmark flagDenmark#12021#32022#3First half of 2023

Popularity in Sweden

Sweden flagSweden#42021#22022#32023

Popularity in Norway

Norway flagNorway#92021#92022#52023

Popularity in Argentina

Argentina flagArgentina#132020#92021#182023

Popularity in Spain

Spain flagSpain#132020#112021#122022

Popularity in Galicia, Spain

Galicia, Spain flagGalicia, Spain#152020#212021#182022

Popularity in France

France flagFrance#802020#552021#162022

Popularity in Finland

Finland flagFinland#232021#282022#232023

Popularity in Latvia

Latvia flagLatvia#261925#481930#871935

Popularity in Uruguay

Uruguay flagUruguay#332021#322022#292023

Popularity in Switzerland

Switzerland flagSwitzerland#842020#622021#502022

Popularity in Chile

Chile flagChile#932019#732020#592021

Popularity in Greenland

Greenland flagGreenland#692019#702020#712021

Popularity in Basque Country, Spain

Basque Country, Spain flagBasque Country, Spain#882019#902020#712021

Popularity in Germany

Germany flagGermany#932021#922022#722023

Popularity in Austria

Austria flagAustria#732020#742021#782022

Popularity in Belgium

Belgium flagBelgium#802022

Popularity in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Bosnia and Herzegovina flagBosnia and Herzegovina#922015#962018#972021

Popularity in Iceland

Iceland flagIceland#1502021#1042022#1182023

Popularity in Puerto Rico

Puerto Rico flagPuerto Rico#5002004#1722018#1982022

Popularity in New Zealand

New Zealand flagNew Zealand#2171951#2771955#3282023

Popularity in England and Wales

England and Wales flagEngland and Wales#3452019#3042020#2672021

Popularity in Ireland

Ireland flagIreland#2702021#3892022#6252023

Popularity in Quebec, Canada

Quebec, Canada flagQuebec, Canada#6132020#6002021#2962022

Popularity in Canada

Canada flagCanada#6002021#3302022#4392023

Popularity in Poland

Poland flagPoland#5672017#4192019#3322020

Popularity in Scotland

Scotland flagScotland#4422021#4702022#3652023

Source: Social Security Administration (SSA) and Other National Sources

Is Alma a Name for Boys or Girls?

Alma is typically a girl’s name. Its simple yet beautiful sound and positive meanings make it a modern favorite for baby girls.

Variants, Nicknames, Diminutives, and Ideal Middle Names for Alma

Alma in Famous People Names, Pop Culture, and Places

  • Alma Mahler (Composer, 1879–1964): An Austrian composer and socialite who was married to Gustav Mahler and had a significant influence on the Viennese cultural scene.
  • Alma Thomas (Painter, 1891–1978): An African American painter known for her vibrant abstract work and contributions to the Washington Color School.
  • Alma Reville (Screenwriter, 1899–1982): A British screenwriter and film editor, also the wife and collaborator of director Alfred Hitchcock.
  • Alma Kruger (Actress, 1868–1960): An American stage and film actress who appeared in numerous films during the 1930s and 1940s.
  • Alma Adams (Politician, born 1946): An American politician serving as the U.S. Representative for North Carolina's 12th congressional district.
  • Alma Guillermoprieto (Journalist, born 1949): A Mexican journalist and author, renowned for her coverage of Latin America.
  • Alma Har'el (Director, born 1976): An Israeli-American music video and film director known for her unique storytelling and visual style.
  • Alma Coin ("The Hunger Games," 2012 Film Series): The leader of District 13 and a key figure in the rebellion against the Capitol.
  • "Alma" (2011 Short Film): A haunting animated short about a little girl who gets lured into a mysterious toy shop.
  • Alma Garret ("Deadwood," 2004 TV Series): A wealthy widow who becomes entangled in the politics and dangers of the mining town of Deadwood.
  • Alma Winemiller ("Summer and Smoke," 1948 Play): The central character in Tennessee Williams' play, struggling with repression and desire.
  • Alma ("Encanto," 2021 Animated Film): The matriarch of the Madrigal family who holds the magical family together.
  • Alma ("La Llorona," 2019 Film): A central character in this horror film that intertwines folklore and contemporary social issues.
  • Alma City (Michigan, USA): A small city in Gratiot County, Michigan, with a strong historical and cultural heritage.
  • Alma Park (Quebec, Canada): A municipal park located in the city of Alma, offering various recreational facilities.
  • Alma Bay (Queensland, Australia): A picturesque bay on Magnetic Island, popular for swimming and snorkeling.