Name meaning & originAlma
/AHL-mah/
Alma is a Latin, Spanish, Hebrew girl's name pronounced /AHL-mah/. In Latin and Spanish, the name translates to 'soul', while in Hebrew it means 'young woman'.
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Meaning of Alma
In Latin and Spanish, the name translates to 'soul', while in Hebrew it means 'young woman'.
The name has diverse etymological roots. In Latin, it derives from 'almus', meaning 'nourishing' or 'kind', which famously appears in the title 'Alma Mater'. In Spanish and Italian, it is the word for 'soul'. Additionally, in Hebrew (עלמה), it refers to a maiden or young woman of marriageable age, and in Hungarian, the name translates to 'apple'.
- Origin
- Latin, Spanish, Hebrew
- Pronunciation
- /AHL-mah/
Cultural background
It gained significant popularity in English-speaking countries after the Battle of Alma during the Crimean War and remains a classic choice in both Europe and Latin America.
Variations & nicknames
- Almah
- Almeta
- Almita
- Almina
- Allma
Famous people named Alma
Well-known namesakes — celebrities, historical figures and characters.
Alma Mahler
Austrian composer, author, and socialite
Music · 1879–1964
Alma Hitchcock
English screenwriter and film editor, wife of Alfred Hitchcock
Film · 1899–1982
Alma Thomas
African-American expressionist painter and educator
Art · 1891–1978
Alma Guillermoprieto
Mexican journalist and author known for her work on Latin America
Literature · Modern
Alma Coin
President of District 13 in 'The Hunger Games' series
Fiction · Modern
Frequently asked about Alma
- Is Alma a religious name?
- Yes, in Christianity, it is associated with the phrase 'Alma Mater' (Nourishing Mother, often referring to the Virgin Mary), and it appears as a male prophet's name in the Book of Mormon.
- What is the meaning of Alma in Spanish?
- In Spanish, Alma literally translates to 'soul'.
- Is Alma a common name today?
- Alma has seen a resurgence in popularity recently, particularly in Scandinavia and the United States, as part of the 'vintage name' trend.
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