Velma is a name of Hebrew origin, meaning "pledge" or "faithful." It is derived from the Hebrew word "velama," which translates to "loyalty" or "faithfulness." Velma has been used as a given name for both boys and girls throughout history, although it is more commonly associated with females today.
The earliest known use of Velma as a given name dates back to the late 19th century. It is believed that the name gained popularity in English-speaking countries due to its association with the biblical character of Velma, who was a devoted servant of God in the Old Testament.
In recent times, Velma has been popularized by various forms of media and pop culture. One notable example is Velma Dinkley from the animated television series "Scooby-Doo," which first aired in 1969. However, it's important to note that this character's name is more of a coincidence than an intentional nod to the name's biblical origins.
Despite its biblical roots and recent pop culture associations, Velma remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking for something different from traditional names. Its meaning of faithfulness or loyalty can serve as a meaningful symbol for those who choose this name for their child.
The name Velma appears to have been quite popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with a significant peak between 1910 and 1925, during which there were over 2,000 births each year. However, its popularity began to decline after the mid-1920s, dropping below 100 births per year by the late 1960s. Since then, it has remained quite rare, with fewer than 50 births recorded in most years. Overall, Velma was given as a name to over 86,000 babies between 1880 and 2023.