Depending on who you ask, Alma is a soulful Spanish choice, a studious Latin classic, or a nature-inspired Hebrew name. This versatility allows it to shape-shift to fit almost any family background.
Verdict: Alma is an exceptional choice for a baby born in 2025. It sits at the perfect intersection of the “grandma chic” revival and the trend toward cross-cultural names. It offers the history of names like Ada or Mabel but feels slightly more artistic and less expected.
Alma Overview
- Meaning: Nourishing, kind, water, apple
- Gender: Unisex
- Origin: Latin
- Pronunciation: “Ahl-muh”
- Popularity: 511th in the U.S.
- Nicknames: Al, Mama, Ally.
- Variations: Elma, Almo.
- Namesakes: Alma Reville, Alma Madrigal.
What Does Alma Mean?
Alma is a name of profound depth because it carries significant, positive meanings across several distinct languages. It is a true “pan-cultural” name.
Its most common association is with the Latin word almus, which translates to “nourishing,” “kind,” or “lifting.” This is the root found in the phrase Alma Mater (nourishing mother), used to describe the schools that “fed” our minds.
In Spanish and Portuguese culture, Alma is a deeply spiritual word meaning “soul.” This gives the name a romantic, metaphysical weight that many parents love.
The name’s etymology branches out even further:
- Hebrew: The word almah appears in ancient texts meaning “young woman” or “maiden.”
- Arabic: Derived from al-ma, it can mean “on the water,” often noted for its fluidity and grace.
- Crimean Tatar: In this Turkic language, Alma translates literally to “apple,” giving it a sweet, botanical connection.
Where Does the Name Alma Come From?
The history of Alma is a tapestry of ancient roots and Victorian trends. While its Latin and Hebrew roots go back millennia, its status as a popular given name is relatively modern in the English-speaking world.
The name exploded in popularity in Britain and subsequently America following the Battle of Alma in 1854, which was the first battle of the Crimean War. The battle took place near the River Alma; consequently, many parents began naming their daughters Alma to commemorate the event.
It also has connections to antiquity. In Roman mythology, several goddesses were referred to with the epithet Alma to signify their nurturing nature. In religious contexts, it is occasionally linked to the Virgin Mary as a “loving mother” or biblical female character, though the name itself functions more as a title in those instances.
How Popular is the Name Alma?
Alma is currently experiencing a “Vintage Revival.” If you look at the trajectory of the name, it follows a “U” shape. It was a top-tier hit in the late 1800s and early 1900s, beloved by Victorians for its virtue and simplicity.
By the mid-20th century, Alma had fallen out of fashion, viewed as a “dusty” name belonging to a bygone era. It hit its lowest point in the United States around 2011. However, the tide has turned. Since then, Alma has been climbing the charts steadily. It is part of a wave of vintage names that parents are rediscovering, dusting off, and realizing are actually quite chic.
While it is rising, it is not yet overexposed. It sits comfortably in the “familiar but unique” category, making it a safe bet for parents who want a recognized name that isn’t in every classroom. (1)
How Do I Pronounce Alma?
The most common pronunciation in English and Spanish is AHL-muh. The first syllable rhymes with “doll” or “ball” (softened), and the second syllable is a short schwa sound.
In some American accents, it may be pronounced as AL-muh (rhyming with “pal”), though the softer “Ahl” sound is generally preferred for its sophisticated tone.
Is Alma a Boy or Girl Name?
Alma is predominantly a female name in modern usage, particularly in the United States, Europe, and Latin America.
However, it has a fascinating history as a male name. In the Book of Mormon, Alma is a prominent male prophet (Alma the Younger). Consequently, in communities with strong LDS influence, you may historically find men bearing the name. Additionally, in the 19th century, it was occasionally given to boys, though this has become very rare in 2025. Today, it is largely considered a feminine name by the general public.
Variations of Alma
Because Alma exists in so many languages, there are various spellings and related names you might consider if you want to honor a specific heritage.
- Almah: A Hebrew spelling variation emphasizing the “maiden” meaning.
- Almaas: An Arabic variation meaning “diamond.”
- Elma: A German and Dutch variation, often considered a short form of Wilhelmina.
- Amalia: A longer, more flowery Latin/Germanic relative.
- Salma: An Arabic name sharing a similar sound and peaceful meaning.
Nicknames for Alma
One of the benefits of Alma is that it is short enough to not require a nickname, yet distinct enough to allow for some cute pet names.
- Ali / Allie: The most intuitive and friendly shortening.
- Mimi: A creative, vintage-style nickname derived from the “ma” ending.
- Lo: A modern, minimalist nickname pulling from the middle “L” sound.
- Lollie: A sweet, retro nickname that plays on the liquid “L” and “M” sounds.
- Soul: A literal English translation of the Spanish meaning, used as a term of endearment.
Names Similar to Alma
If you love the vibe of Alma; gentle, vintage, and vowel-heavy; but it isn’t quite “the one,” consider these alternatives that share its aesthetic DNA.
- Ada: Like Alma, this is a short, vintage palindrome that has made a massive comeback.
- Flora: Shares the botanical and Roman goddess connections.
- Mabel: Another “grandma chic” name that means “lovable,” similar to Alma’s “kind” meaning.
- Luna: A Spanish/Latin favorite that shares the celestial and soulful vibe.
- Anya: Shares the soft “A” beginning and ending, with a multicultural appeal.
- Veda: Sanskrit for “knowledge,” sharing the spiritual weight of Alma.
- Paloma: A longer Spanish name (meaning Dove) that contains the “alma” sound within it.
- Ida: A short, strong vowel name that was a peer to Alma in the 1890s.
- Alba: Meaning “dawn” in Spanish/Italian, it is just one letter different but has a brighter feel.
Middle Names for Alma
Alma is a short, two-syllable name with emphasis on the first syllable. This creates a rhythm that pairs beautifully with almost any middle name, though it shines brightest with longer, classic middles or punchy one-syllable nature names.
Vintage & Classic Pairings
These combinations feel timeless and elegant, perfect for a sophisticated feel.
Nature & Bohemian Pairings
Lean into the “nourishing” and “apple” meanings with these earthy middle names.
Modern & Spunky Pairings
Contrast the softness of Alma with something sharp and contemporary.
- Alma Quinn
- Alma Sloane
- Alma Blair
- Alma Kate
- Alma Lux
Sibling Names for Alma
Building a sibset around Alma is fun because the name bridges so many styles. You generally want names that feel established and rooted in history, avoiding anything too invented or trendy.
For a Brother
Look for soft-sounding boys’ names or vintage classics.
- Theodore (Theo): A classic that matches Alma’s popularity and vintage charm.
- Silas: Biblical and nature-adjacent, pairing well with the “soul” meaning of Alma.
- Hugo: Shares the European flair and O-ending softness.
- August: A title name (like Alma) with a warm, summery feel.
- Felix: Means “lucky” or “happy,” complementing Alma’s “kind” meaning.
- Arthur: An old-school classic that is currently seeing a revival alongside Alma.
For a Sister
Vintage revivals and botanical names work best here.
- Clara: Clean, bright, and universally recognized, just like Alma.
- Olive: A peaceful nature name that feels right at home next to Alma.
- Hazel: Deeply vintage and earthy.
- Esme: A French name meaning “beloved” or “esteemed,” matching Alma’s soulful vibe.
- Ines: A Spanish classic that shares the international versatility of Alma.
- Iris: A floral name with vintage credentials.
Famous People Named Alma
Alma has graced the names of artists, directors, and muses throughout history. It is often associated with creativity.
- Alma Mahler: A famous Austrian composer, author, and socialite who was a muse to many artistic giants in the early 20th century.
- Alma Reville: A talented screenwriter and editor, she was the wife and professional partner of Alfred Hitchcock.
- Alma Har’el: An award-winning modern music video and film director.
- Alma Thomas: An influential African American Expressionist painter and art educator.
- Alma Guillermoprieto: A renowned Mexican journalist and writer.
Alma in Pop Culture
The name Alma has seen a massive surge in recognition recently due to major motion pictures.
- Alma Madrigal (Abuela): The matriarch of the family in Disney’s hit movie Encanto. This character highlighted the name’s meaning of “soul” and “nourishing mother.”
- Alma Coin: The President of District 13 in The Hunger Games series.
- Alma Wheatley: The adoptive mother in the hit series The Queen’s Gambit.
- Alma Winemiller: The sensitive protagonist in Tennessee Williams’ play Summer and Smoke.
- Alma Peregrine: The headmistress in Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children.
FAQs About the Name Alma
Is Alma a biblical name?
While the name Alma appears in the Bible (specifically in Isaiah 7:14), it is technically a Hebrew word (almah) meaning “young woman” rather than a specific character’s name in that context. However, because of this scriptural connection, it is often accepted as a name with biblical heritage.
Is Alma considered an old lady name?
Alma is considered a “vintage” name. While it was once associated with the older generation (your great-grandmother’s era), it has shed that image in 2025. It is now viewed as chic, bohemian, and fresh, similar to names like Hazel, Ruby, or Pearl.
What implies the meaning “apple” for Alma?
The meaning “apple” comes specifically from the Turkic languages, such as Crimean Tatar, Kazakh, and Turkish (where the word is usually elma or alma). If your family has heritage in Central Asia or Turkey, this botanical meaning is the primary association.
Why is Alma a boy’s name in Mormon culture?
In the Book of Mormon, a sacred text for members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Alma is the name of two major male prophets (Alma the Elder and Alma the Younger). Because of this scriptural prominence, the name was historically given to boys within that faith, though female usage is also common now.
Is Alma a Spanish name?
Yes, Alma is a very common word and name in Spanish. It literally translates to “soul.” It is a beloved choice in Hispanic communities because it conveys deep spirituality and emotion without being overtly religious.
Do any names share meanings with Alma?
Since Alma has so many potential meanings, there are quite a few names that have the same meaning. Many names share Alma’s meaning of nourishing or kind. These names include Anisa, Agatha, Bashir, Calia, Dalia, Damara, Eunice, Felicity, Glenda, Gareth, and Mildred.
Names that mean water include Ford, Maren, Cordelia, Brooke, and Beckett. There are not many names meaning apple, but these include Apple, Melora, Pomeline, Almila, Chamomile, and Pomme.
