Girl
Latin / Hebrew
2 syllables
Alma
AL-mah
/ˈælmə/
"The nourishing one" — a name of soulful warmth, quiet depth, and timeless grace
Alma is one of those rare names that carries deep meaning in multiple languages simultaneously — in Latin it means 'nourishing' or 'kind,' in Hebrew it means 'young woman' or 'maiden,' and in Spanish it simply and beautifully means 'soul.' After a long mid-century absence, Alma has been experiencing a remarkable revival as parents are drawn to its vintage warmth and multicultural resonance. It feels both antique and entirely fresh, a perfect two-syllable gem.
Quick Facts
Letters4
SyllablesAl · ma
GenderGirl
OriginLatin / Hebrew
Root WordAlmus / Almah
MeaningNourishing soul, young woman
PopularityPopular
Peak Year1905
Trend
↑ Rising
Name DayOctober 25
Nicknames
AlAllie
About the Name Alma
Alma carries beautiful meanings in multiple languages. In Latin, almus means 'nourishing, kind, bountiful.' In Hebrew, almah means 'young woman' or 'maiden' and appears in the Bible. In Spanish, alma simply means 'soul.' This rich multilingual meaning gives the name a depth that few others can match.
While Alma is used widely in Spanish-speaking countries where it means 'soul,' it is not exclusively Spanish in origin. Its roots reach into Latin and Hebrew as well. The name is popular across Europe, particularly in Scandinavia, and has been used in English-speaking countries since the 19th century, notably after the Battle of Alma in 1854.
Alma is associated with deep warmth, soulfulness, and quiet wisdom. People named Alma are often perceived as nurturing, artistic, and emotionally intelligent — the kind of person others naturally gravitate toward for comfort and guidance. The name suggests a gentle but unshakeable inner strength.
Yes, Alma is one of the most notable name revivals of the past decade. After disappearing from top lists for much of the mid-20th century, it has climbed steadily since around 2010. It is now popular in the United States, United Kingdom, Sweden, Norway, and Spain, appealing to parents who love vintage names with genuine substance.
Alma's short, open sound pairs well with a wide range of middles. Beautiful options include Alma Rose, Alma Jean, Alma Violet, Alma Cecile, and Alma Frances. Two-syllable middles create a pleasing rhythm, though single-syllable names like Alma Faye or Alma Wren also sound lovely.
Alma has roots in both Latin and Hebrew. The Latin adjective almus means 'nourishing, kind,' used in phrases like Alma Mater ('nourishing mother'). The Hebrew almah appears in the Book of Isaiah. The name also has independent origins in Celtic and Norse traditions. Its use as a given name surged in the English-speaking world following the Battle of Alma in 1854.
Personality of Alma
Perceived character traits commonly associated with people named Alma
Creativity
80%
Elegance
82%
Independence
74%
Intelligence
84%
Strength
70%
Warmth
94%
Famous People Named Alma
A
Alma Mahler
Austrian socialite and composer, wife of Gustav Mahler and muse to artists
A
Alma Reville
British screenwriter and wife of Alfred Hitchcock, his creative partner
A
Alma Powell
Wife of Colin Powell, American philanthropist
A
Alma Deutscher
British child prodigy composer and violinist
Middle Names for Alma
Beautiful combinations that flow well with Alma
Alma Rose
Alma Jean
Alma Frances
Alma Claire
Alma Violet
Alma June
Alma Pearl
Alma Beatrice
Alma Cecile
Alma Ines
Alma Wren
Alma Faye
Names Similar to Alma
Similar Sound
Similar Meaning
Sibling Name Ideas
History of Alma
1854
Battle of Alma during the Crimean War brings the name into wider public consciousness
1879
Alma Mahler born in Vienna, becoming one of the most famous bearers of the name
1900
Alma ranks among the top 50 girl names in the United States
2015
Alma begins a strong revival in the US, UK, and Scandinavia as parents seek vintage names
Numerology & Symbolism of Alma
9
Destiny Number
Sum of all letters
2
Soul Urge
Sum of vowels
♍
Zodiac Affinity
Taurus
6
Lucky Number
Personal power digit
🎨
Lucky Color
Warm Amber
💎
Lucky Stone
Amber
🌸
Lucky Flower
Marigold
Alma Around the World
How Alma is written in different languages and scripts
ألما
Arabic
アルマ
Japanese
Альма
Russian
알마
Korean
阿尔玛
Chinese
Άλμα
Greek
अल्मा
Hindi
אַלְמָה
Hebrew
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