Welma is a name of German origin that means "resolute protection." It is derived from the Old High German word "wilmar," which is composed of two elements: "wil" meaning "will" or "desire," and "mar" meaning "famous" or "renowned."
The name Welma has been used since medieval times in Germany, but it was not particularly popular. It is believed to have been brought to other parts of Europe by German settlers and traders during the Middle Ages.
Welma is a unique name that is not commonly found today, which makes it an excellent choice for parents looking for a distinctive name for their daughter. Despite its rarity, Welma has a strong meaning and an interesting history behind it, making it a compelling option for those interested in names with deep roots and significant meanings.
In terms of popularity, Welma has never been among the most common names in any country. According to data from the Social Security Administration in the United States, Welma has only appeared on the list of the top 1000 baby girl names once, in 1926. In recent years, it has not ranked high enough to appear in the top 1000 names, indicating that it is still a relatively uncommon choice.
Despite its rarity, Welma has been carried by some notable individuals throughout history. One example is Welma Van Langendonck, a Belgian artist who was known for her landscapes and still lifes. Her work can be found in several museums around the world, including the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Brussels.
Overall, Welma is a name with an intriguing origin story and a strong meaning that makes it an attractive choice for parents looking for something unique and distinctive for their daughter. While it may not be as well-known as some other names, its rarity only adds to its charm and appeal for those who appreciate the uncommon and extraordinary.
The statistics provided show the annual birth counts for the name Welma in the United States from 1912 to 1945. During this period, there was a total of 189 births. The years with the highest number of Welma births were 1928 and 1929, each with 15 births. Interestingly, Welma seems to have been a popular name among parents in the early 20th century, with consistent birth counts ranging from 5 to 15 per year until the late 1930s when the popularity of the name started to decline gradually. The lowest number of Welma births recorded during this period was 5, which occurred in five different years: 1912, 1930, 1937, and twice in 1945. Despite the fluctuations in popularity over time, these statistics demonstrate that Welma was indeed a name chosen by parents for their daughters during this era in America.