Willma is a unique and distinctive given name of African American origin. It is not widely recognized or used, which adds to its uniqueness and appeal for those who wish to give their child an uncommon name.
The exact meaning and history of the name Willma are unclear, as it is not found in any of the well-known sources for baby names such as Behind The Name or Ancestry. However, some theories suggest that it may have been created by combining elements from other names or words with similar sounds.
One possibility is that Willma was derived from the Germanic name Wilhelmina, which means "resolute protection" or "strong-willed warrior." Wilhelmina has many diminutives and variations, such as Willie, Willy, Mina, and even Willyma. It's possible that someone shortened Willyma to Willma over time.
Another theory is that Willma was created by combining the elements Will (from William) and Ma (short for Maria or Margaret). This would make Willma a blend of two traditionally feminine names, resulting in a unique female moniker.
Despite its uncertain origins, Willma has been used sparingly throughout history. According to data from the Social Security Administration, only 17 baby girls were named Willma in the United States between 1880 and 2019. This rarity contributes to its allure for parents seeking an unusual name for their child.
In literature, there is at least one character named Willma. In the novel "The Complete Short Stories of Flannery O'Connor" by Flannery O'Connor, there is a character named Willma with whom the protagonist interacts briefly.
Overall, while the origins and meaning of Willma may not be definitively known, its rarity and unique sound make it an attractive choice for parents looking to give their child an uncommon name with potential historical roots.
The statistics provided show the annual number of births with the name Willma in the United States from 1898 to 1965. The data shows a varied pattern over this period, with some years seeing more than ten births and others fewer than five.
The highest number of births recorded for the name Willma was 27 in 1918, while the lowest was 5, which occurred in several years including 1898, 1906, 1911, 1941, and 1955. There were periods where the number of births with this name was consistently higher, such as between 1915 and 1924, during which there were at least 15 births each year.
The total number of births with the name Willma in the United States from 1898 to 1965 is 673. This statistic provides a sense of how common this particular name has been over time, though it's important to note that these numbers represent only a small fraction of the overall birth population during these years.
Overall, while the number of births with the name Willma fluctuated over the eight decades covered by the statistics, it remained relatively uncommon compared to many other names.