Thelma

Etymology

Thelma is a female given name of uncertain origin. It was a rare name until British author Marie Corelli used it for the Norwegian heroine of her 1887 novel Thelma. Despite the character's Norwegian identity, the name is not traditional Scandinavian. Some have suggested it derives from Greek θέλημα (thelema) meaning 'will,' but this connection is considered unlikely by most etymologists. Note that although similar in sound to Selma, the two names are distinct and not related.

Popularization and Usage

The name gained popularity after the publication of Marie Corelli's novel Thelma: A Society Novel (1887), in which the protagonist is a strong, virtuous Norwegian woman. The novel was a sensational success, and the name quickly spread throughout English-speaking countries, particularly in England and the United States, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In the United States, Thelma entered the top 100 names for girls in 1890 and peaked in the 1910s.

Notable Bearers

• Thelma Akana Harrison (1905–1972), American politician
• Thelma Aoyama (born 1987), Japanese pop singer
• Thelma Barlow (born 1929), English actress
• Thelma Carpenter (1922–1997), American jazz singer and actress
• Thelma Cazalet-Keir (1899–1989), British politician
• Thelma Drake (born 1949), American politician
• Thelma Fardin (born 1992), Argentine actress and model

Variants

In Portuguese, the name is adapted as Telma.

Cultural Impact

The 1991 film Thelma & Louise, starring Geena Davis as Thelma Dickinson, brought renewed attention to the name, associating it with a rebellious and freedom-seeking spirit.

• Meaning: Unknown; possibly from Greek 'will' (disputed)
• Origin: invented as a literary name by Marie Corelli
• Type: Given name
• Usage: English, rare elsewhere