Alma

What does the baby name Alma mean? Learn about what Alma means, its history & origin, popularity in our random name database, pronunciation, similar names, nicknames & spelling variations.

Alma - Name Meaning, Origin & Popularity

Spelling of Alma: A-L-M-A, is a 4-letter female given name.
Pronunciation of Alma: AL-mə; AHL mah
Meaning of Alma: Soul, nourishing, caring, fostering, nourishment, nurturing one, name of river, spirit & strength.
Origin of Alma: The name 'Alma' has ancient roots that can be traced back to Latin. Derived from the Latin word 'alma', meaning 'nourishing' or 'kind', this name embodies qualities of compassion and care. Its earliest known use dates back to the Roman Empire, where it was bestowed upon girls as a testament to their nurturing and benevolent nature.; American Names; English Names; Germanic Names; Hebrew Names; Irish Names; Italian Names; Latin Names; Literary Names; Place Names; Russian Names; Spanish Names
Popularity of Alma: Over the centuries, the popularity of the name 'Alma' has experienced ebbs and flows. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, 'Alma' reached its peak popularity in English-speaking countries, particularly in the United States. It was a name that resonated with parents, symbolizing their desire for their daughters to grow up to be nurturing and kind-hearted individuals.; Alma currently has 205 likes, and is in the top 4% of liked girl's names. The name Cierra is slightly more popular than Alma.

Etymology of Alma

Delving into the linguistic roots of the name 'Alma', we find that it has connections to various languages. As mentioned earlier, its primary origin lies in Latin. However, it also has ties to Hebrew and Arabic. In Hebrew, 'alma' means 'young woman', while in Arabic, it signifies 'the world' or 'the universe'. These diverse linguistic influences contribute to the multifaceted nature of the name 'Alma'.

Cultural Significance of Alma

The name 'Alma' holds cultural significance in various contexts. In Jewish culture, it is associated with the concept of the 'Alma' Mater', which refers to the nourishing and nurturing qualities of a mother. In Latin American countries, 'Alma' is often associated with spirituality and is used as a name to honor the soul or spirit of an individual.