Alma: Meaning, origin and popularity
Pronounced AHL-muh · 2 syllables
Alma means “nourishing; soul”, from Latin and Spanish.
Usually explained as Latin alma (“nourishing, kind”). It has also been used as a short form of Germanic compound names beginning with the element Amal-, as in Amelia.
- Meaning
- nourishing; soul
- Origin
- Latin, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- AHL-muh
- US rank (2025)
- #449
- US babies a year
- about 663 (2021–2025)
- Peak
- around 1890
- Style
- Vintage, Rising, Classic
How popular is Alma?
Alma was the #449 name in the US in 2025, given to 696 babies. It’s rising: up 76% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1890.
Around the world
| Country | Rank |
|---|---|
| United States | #449 |
| England & Wales | #304 |
| Scotland | #370 |
| Ireland | #229 |
| France | #6 |
| Norway | #8 |
| Canada | #426 |
How old are people named Alma?
Half of US adults named Alma are older than 57; most are between 22 and 89. (Estimated from US births by year and life tables.)
Sibling names for Alma
Names that real brothers and sisters of people named Alma have, from family records on Wikidata, most common first.
- Tomer
- Kristjan
- Oskar
- Albin
- Maya
Names like Alma
Chosen by the same families or with a similar style and era.
On these lists
Questions about Alma
What does the name Alma mean?
Alma means “nourishing; soul”. It comes from Latin and Spanish.
How do you pronounce Alma?
Alma is pronounced AHL-muh.
How popular is the name Alma?
Alma was the #449 name in the US in 2025, given to 696 babies. It’s rising: up 76% on 2011–2015. It peaked around 1890.
How old are people named Alma?
Half of US adults named Alma are older than 57. Most are between 22 and 89.