Irma is a feminine given name of Germanic origin, derived from the Old Norse name Yrma. This name has been associated with various figures throughout history, most notably Irma la Douce, a French singer and entertainer who gained international fame in the mid-20th century.
The meaning of the name Irma is believed to be "universal," which could refer to its widespread use across different cultures and languages. It has been translated into several forms around the world, including Irmgard in German-speaking countries and Herminia in Spanish-speaking ones. The name has also gained popularity in other parts of Europe, such as Scandinavia and the Netherlands.
Throughout history, there have been several notable individuals named Irma. Apart from Irma la Douce, one of the most well-known figures is Irma Henderson, a Canadian politician who served as a member of the Legislative Assembly of Alberta from 1975 to 1986. Additionally, Irma Thomas is an American singer-songwriter known for her hit song "Time Is on My Side."
In popular culture, the name Irma has been used in various works of fiction. It appears prominently in Tennessee Williams' play "The Night of the Iguana," where Irma is a character who represents temptation and sensuality. The name also features in the film "Casablanca," although it is not one of the main characters.
Overall, Irma is an interesting and historic feminine given name with roots in Old Norse culture and widespread use across different languages and cultures throughout history.
The name Irma has a rich history of usage in the United States, with a fluctuating popularity over the years as indicated by the annual birth statistics provided.
From 1880 to 1956, there was a significant increase in the number of girls named Irma. The highest point was reached in 1957 with 1095 births, marking an impressive peak in popularity for this name during that era.
However, starting from the late 1950s, we observe a steady decline in the usage of the name Irma. This trend continues until the early 21st century, with only a few dozen girls being named Irma each year between 2006 and 2023.
Despite this decrease in popularity, it is worth noting that there have been brief periods where the number of births increased slightly. For instance, there were 70 births in 2016 and 2017, and a spike to 71 births was observed again in 2022.
In total, over the course of the provided statistics from 1880 to 2023, 73,649 girls were named Irma at birth in the United States. This demonstrates that while the popularity of the name has waxed and waned over time, it has remained a presence in American naming culture for well over a century.