Palma is a feminine given name of Spanish origin. It is derived from the word "palma," which means "palm tree" in Spanish. The name Palma has been traditionally associated with the city of Palma de Mallorca, located on the island of Majorca in Spain. This city was named after a palm tree that was believed to have been planted by the Roman Emperor Augustus during his stay on the island.
The name Palma is thought to have been popularized by King James I of Aragon (also known as Jaime I), who conquered the island of Majorca from the Muslims in 1229. He named his daughter, born in 1236, "Palma," which contributed to the spread of the name throughout Spain and beyond.
While Palma is not a particularly common name today, it has been used throughout history by various notable figures. For instance, Saint Palma was a Christian martyr who was beheaded during the Roman Empire's persecution of Christians in the 3rd century AD.
Overall, the name Palma is a unique choice that carries with it a rich history and cultural significance. Its association with palm trees makes it a fitting option for those who appreciate nature and the beauty of the Mediterranean region.
The given statistics illustrate the fluctuation of the popularity of the name Palma over a span of years in the United States. From the late 19th century to the early 20th century, there was a steady increase in births with this name, reaching a peak between 1914 and 1926, with 96 to 100 births per year.
However, after the mid-1930s, there was a significant decline in the popularity of the name Palma. Between 1937 and 1959, there were fewer than 50 births each year. This trend continued into the late 20th century, with only five births reported per year between 1983 and 2023.
In total, over this period of time, there have been 3569 births with the name Palma in the United States. Despite its fluctuations in popularity, the name Palma continues to be used, even if infrequently, among parents naming their daughters today.