Derived from Germanic elements, Irma is a charming and classic female given name that gained popularity during the late 19th to mid-20th centuries. It is believed to be a diminutive of names like Irwin or Ermintrude, though its exact origins remain somewhat unclear. The name Irma is often associated with notable figures such as American actress Irma Pletcher and Czech-born physicist Irma Klimentová.
The name Irma experienced notable popularity in the early to mid-20th century, with significant spikes in births occurring between 1915 and 1940. The peak was reached in 1938 and 1940 with 10 births each year. After World War II, the name's popularity began to wane, with fewer than 10 births per year recorded from 1942 onwards. However, it remained moderately popular throughout the 1950s, 1960s, and even into the 1970s and 1980s, with occasional years seeing more than five births.