Zelma is a unique and captivating name with an intriguing origin and meaning. It is derived from the Hebrew word "tsalmavet," which translates to "death." However, despite its somber etymology, Zelma is not typically associated with negative connotations.
The name Zelma first gained popularity in France during the late 19th century. It was used by French author Jules Verne in his novel "Le Tour du Monde en Quatre-vingts Jours" (Around the World in Eighty Days), where he named one of the characters Zelma. This literary appearance likely contributed to the name's rise in popularity among French speakers.
Zelma is also associated with the ancient Semitic goddess Ishtart, who was known for her beauty and fertility. In some cultures, she was believed to be able to resurrect the dead, which may have contributed to the association of Zelma with death, despite its positive connotations regarding rebirth and renewal.
In many cases, people named Zelma are drawn to the name's unique sound and its associations with literature and ancient mythology. While it may not be a common name in English-speaking countries, those who bear it often appreciate its rarity and distinctive character. Overall, Zelma is a captivating name that combines historical significance with a touch of mystery.
The name Zelma has a fascinating history of usage in the United States, as reflected in the provided statistics. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Zelma experienced significant popularity, with the highest number of births recorded in 1915 at 487.
Interestingly, Zelma's popularity peaked during World War I, which suggests that it might have been influenced by patriotic sentiment or cultural trends of the time. However, this is purely speculative as there are no official records to confirm this theory.
From the late 1920s onwards, the usage of the name Zelma began to decline steadily. By the mid-20th century, it had become quite uncommon, with fewer than 50 births per year recorded between 1950 and 1970. This trend continued into the latter half of the century, with only occasional spikes in popularity.
In recent years, Zelma has seen a slight resurgence, with more than 10 births reported annually since 2015. This may indicate that the name is once again gaining traction among parents looking for unique and vintage-inspired baby names.
Overall, while Zelma's popularity has waxed and waned over the years, its history in the United States provides an intriguing glimpse into the evolution of naming trends during the past century.