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 History
The 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 Bearers
- Telma Monteiro (born 1985), Portuguese judoka, multiple Olympic medalist
Cultural Significance
In Iceland, Telma is also used as a feminine given name alongside the alternative spelling Thelma, supported by its presence in the Icelandic dictionary.
Key Facts
- Meaning: Either a form of Thelma (popularized by literature) or a feminine form of Telmo
- Origin: Portuguese; also used in Iceland
- Type: Variant/formed name
- Regions of Use: Portugal, Brazil, Iceland
Sources: Wiktionary — Telma