Sophia Girl
soh-FEE-uh
“wisdom” · Greek
#5
Alma
GirlLatin, Spanish· “nourishing, kind; soul (Spanish)”
- Meaning
- nourishing, kind; soul (Spanish)
- Origin
- Latin, Spanish
- Pronunciation
- AHL-muh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- #449
- US babies 2025
- 689
- Best rank
- #51 (1896)
- Peak year
- 1918
Meaning and origin of Alma
Alma is a Latin and Spanish name that is usually said to mean “nourishing, kind; soul (Spanish)”.
Alma has several overlapping sources. In Latin, almus means "nourishing" or "kind", as in alma mater, "nourishing mother", the phrase used for one's former school. In Spanish and Portuguese, alma means "soul". The name became popular in Britain after the Battle of the Alma, fought beside the Alma River in Crimea during the Crimean War. Alma is also the name of a prophet in the Book of Mormon. The name is short, warm and slightly vintage, and it reads well in many languages. It has a gentle, graceful sound that suits a child and an adult.
Popularity over time
Alma has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 146 different years. Its best national rank was #51 in 1896, and the most babies received it in 1918, when 3,650 were named Alma. In 2025, 689 babies were named Alma, and it ranked #449 nationally. That is 65% more than ten years earlier, so it is clearly on the rise.
Its national rank moved from #80 in 1920, #232 in 1950, #358 in 1980, #491 in 2000, #844 in 2010, and #449 in 2025. Of the 163,723 US girls named Alma since records began, 19% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 27,515 babies. Since 2010, 7,774 more have been named Alma.
Other girls' names that peaked around the same time include Vera, Leona, Genevieve, Lillie, and Nellie.
Where it is most popular (2025)
In 2025, Alma ranked highest in Florida, Minnesota, and Oregon.
| State | Rank there | Babies |
|---|---|---|
| Florida | #209 | 90 |
| Minnesota | #222 | 25 |
| Oregon | #274 | 13 |
| Connecticut | #323 | 9 |
| California | #327 | 99 |
Gender, sound and spelling
About 99% of US babies named Alma over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
Alma is usually pronounced AHL-muh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with A and ends in “-ma”.
Middle names for Alma
A few middle names that flow with Alma: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Alma
Similar names
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Lucille Girl
loo-SEEL
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Vera Girl
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Frances Girl
FRAN-sihs
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Lists that include Alma
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Alma mean?
Alma is a Latin and Spanish name that is usually said to mean “nourishing, kind; soul (Spanish)”.
What is the origin of the name Alma?
Alma has Latin and Spanish roots. Alma has several overlapping sources.
Is Alma a popular name?
Yes. Alma ranked #449 in the US in 2025, which makes it in the top 1,000.
Is Alma a boy or girl name?
Alma is mainly a girl's name. About 99% of US babies named Alma over the last 20 years were girls, with a small share of boys.
How do you pronounce Alma?
Alma is usually pronounced AHL-muh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings