Telma is a feminine given name used primarily in Portuguese-speaking countries. Its origins are dual: it may be a Portuguese form of Thelma, or alternatively a feminine form of Telmo.Etymology and HistoryThe name Telma gains its primary meaning through its connection to Thelma, a name made famous by British author Marie Corelli in her 1887 novel Thelma. Corelli's novel features a Norwegian heroine named Thelma, and the name quickly gained popularity in the English-speaking world at the end of the 19th century. Despite occasional claims linking Thelma to the Greek word θέλημα (thelema), meaning 'will', this etymology is generally regarded as unlikely.As a Portuguese variant, the name Telmo has a different origin—it is derived from the Germanic element helm, meaning 'helmet' or 'protection'. Therefore, Telma may also carry connotations of protection through this second etymology.Notable BearersTelma Monteiro (born 1985), Portuguese judoka, multiple Olympic medalistCultural SignificanceIn Iceland, Telma is also used as a feminine given name alongside the alternative spelling Thelma, supported by its presence in the Icelandic dictionary.Key FactsMeaning: Either a form of Thelma (popularized by literature) or a feminine form of TelmoOrigin: Portuguese; also used in IcelandType: Variant/formed nameRegions of Use: Portugal, Brazil, Iceland