Skip Ancestry navigation Skip to Footer Ancestry Home
  • Home
  • Trees
  • Search
  • Memories
  • DNA
  • Subscribe
  • Cart
  • Sign In
Home
Loading

Trees you own

    Shared with you

      Tree tools

      • My Trees
      • First Name Meanings
      • Last Name Meanings
      • Individual Records Search
      • Family Trees Support
      • Start a New Tree
      • Upload a GEDCOM
      Loading
      • All Collections
      • Census & Voter Lists
      • Birth, Marriage & Death
      • Military
      • Immigration & Travel
      • Public Member Trees
      • Card Catalogue
      • Member Search
      Memories
      Loading
      • Register a kit
      • AncestryDNA® Learning Hub
      • Traits Learning Hub
      • AncestryDNA®
      • AncestryDNA® Support
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      Loading
      • Support Centre
      • Ancestry Academy
      • Community
      • Hire an expert
      • Site Status
      • Support Centre
      • About Us
      • Site Map
      • Gift Memberships
        • Ancestry Corporate
        • Fold3.com
        • ForcesWarRecords.com
        • Geneanet.org
        • Newspapers.com
        • ProGenealogists.com
        • RootsWeb.com
      • © 2006-2025 Ancestry
      • Privacy
      • Cookies
      • Terms and Conditions
      • Operated by Ancestry Ireland Unlimited Company

      Meaning of the first name
      Telma

      Origin 
      Italian

      Meaning 
      Form of Thelma

      Variations 
      Delma, Selma, Talma

      *Some content has been generated by an artificial intelligence language model, in combination with data sourced from Ancestry records and provided by BabyNames.com.
      The name Telma originates from Italian and is believed to be a form of the name Thelma. Thelma gained popularity in the late 19th century and is often associated with Greece, as it was thought to be derived from the Greek word (thelma) meaning will or desire. Over time, the name evolved into various forms across different languages, with Telma being one of its iterations.

      In history, the name Telma is not widely recorded, as it is a relatively modern variant of Thelma. However, Thelma itself was popularized in the early 20th century through works of literature and theater. It gained further recognition when the American author Marie Corelli used the name for the title character in her best-selling novel Thelma published in 1887. This contributed to its usage as a given name for girls.

      In modern times, Telma continues to be used as a feminine given name. While it is not as common as some traditional names, it retains a sense of uniqueness and charm. Its Italian origin adds a touch of continental flair, making it appealing to parents seeking a distinctive name for their daughters. Whether it is in Italy or other parts of the world, Telma remains a choice that exudes a sense of individuality and carries with it the beautiful meaning associated with Thelma.
      Based on our records...
      This is the most common surname, spouse name and child name associated with Telma.
      Burtis

      is the most common surname for Telma.

      Arthur

      is the most common spouse name for Telma.

      George

      is the most common child name for Telma.

      Start your curiosity engines.

      Ready to learn more about your own family? Here are two ways to begin.
      Free Trial
      Order Ancestry
      did_you_know_bar
      Based on our records...
      Did you know?
      1906 is when there were the most people born with the first name Telma.

      We'll guide you through the process of building and growing your tree

      Explore the origins of another name.