Alma is a feminine given name of Spanish and Latin origin. Its meaning varies slightly depending on the language and culture.
In Spanish, "Alma" means soul. It comes from the Latin word "anima," which also translates to soul or spirit. In medieval Spain, Alma was often used as a nickname for people who were considered holy or pious.
In Latin, "Alma Mater" is a term that refers to one's college or university. This phrase means "nourishing mother." It originated from the Roman poet Virgil's epic poem "The Aeneid," where it was used to refer to the goddess Cybele, who was believed to be the mother of all gods and goddesses.
Throughout history, Alma has been a popular name in many cultures. In the Middle Ages, it was common among Christians, particularly in Spain. Today, it is still widely used around the world, with notable figures named Alma including Alma Jodorowsky, a French actress, and Alma Haser, a British photographer.
Overall, the name Alma has a rich history and meaningful origins that make it an attractive choice for parents looking for a unique yet significant name for their daughter.
The given statistics provide an interesting overview of the popularity of the name Alma in the United States over a span of approximately 140 years, from 1880 to 2023.
From 1880 to around the early 1970s, the number of births with the name Alma fluctuated between single digits and occasionally reaching double figures. The highest number of births in this period was recorded in 1916 with 47 births.
However, from the mid-1970s onwards, there seems to be a noticeable increase in the popularity of the name Alma. In 1975, there were 21 births, and by 1989, this number had risen to 24 births. Although there have been fluctuations since then, with some years showing fewer than ten births, the overall trend suggests that Alma has maintained a reasonable level of popularity among parents in the United States.
In recent years, the total number of births with the name Alma remains steady, with around five to nine births per year from 2013 to 2023. This indicates that while Alma may not be one of the most popular names, it continues to be chosen by families each year.
In conclusion, while the popularity of the name Alma has varied over time in the United States, it has shown consistent use throughout history and remains a choice for parents today.