Girl Name · English Origin
Nelma
Last reviewed: June 2026
Considering Nelma? It is a girl name whose meaning is "Bright, shining light", rooted in English naming tradition, and ranks in our Rare popularity tier. Phonetically it shares territory with Nolan.
Names like Nelma
Frequently asked about Nelma
What does the name Nelma mean?
Nelma means "Bright, shining light" and is of English origin.
What is the origin of Nelma?
Nelma originates in English naming tradition.
How do you pronounce Nelma?
Nelma has 5 letters and is most commonly stressed on the first syllable.
Is Nelma a boy's or girl's name?
Nelma is primarily used as a girl's name in US records.
How popular is Nelma in 2026?
In our 2026 popularity tracker, Nelma sits in the Rare tier — an uncommon, standout choice.
What names are similar to Nelma?
Names that share Nelma's sound and style include Nolan, Nolen, Nalani, Nechama, Neoma.