Alma Brophy

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Alma Brophy — English
172K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Alma Brophy is a name that combines English origins. The first name Alma is a feminine given name of English origin. Alma ( AHL-mə) or (according to Jones 1997) /'ælmə/) is an English feminine given name, but has historically been used in the masculine form as well, sometimes in the form Almo. The origin of the name is debated; it may have been derived from "alma mater" ("benevolent mother", a title used for the Virgin Mary, and in antiquity, for several goddesses). It gained popularity after the Battle of Alma in the 19th century and appeared as a fashionable name for girls and a popular place name, but it has decreased in appearance in the 20th and 21st centuries. The surname Brophy: Brophy is an Irish surname of ancient origin, which is derived from the Irish "Uí Bhróithe" or "Ó Bróithe" septs that were located mostly around Ballybrophy, Laois, and in counties Carlow and Kilkenny. It is among Europe’s earliest true hereditary surnames, traceable to a 9th-century Ossorian ancestor and still geographically rooted in the same region more than a millennium later. The Brophy family has played a prominent role in Irish history for over a thousand years, producing petty kings (Rí), clerics, soldiers, and writers. Alma is a distinctive first name, carried by approximately 172K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Alma reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Alma

English

Alma ( AHL-mə) or (according to Jones 1997) /'ælmə/) is an English feminine given name, but has historically been used in the masculine form as well, sometimes in the form Almo. The origin of the name is debated; it may have been derived from "alma mater" ("benevolent mother", a title used for the Virgin Mary, and in antiquity, for several goddesses). It gained popularity after the Battle of Alma in the 19th century and appeared as a fashionable name for girls and a popular place name, but it has decreased in appearance in the 20th and 21st centuries.

Surname: Brophy

Irish

Brophy is an Irish surname of ancient origin, which is derived from the Irish "Uí Bhróithe" or "Ó Bróithe" septs that were located mostly around Ballybrophy, Laois, and in counties Carlow and Kilkenny. It is among Europe’s earliest true hereditary surnames, traceable to a 9th-century Ossorian ancestor and still geographically rooted in the same region more than a millennium later. The Brophy family has played a prominent role in Irish history for over a thousand years, producing petty kings (Rí), clerics, soldiers, and writers.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Alma is distributed across the globe, with the highest concentrations in the following countries:

United States 52%
United Kingdom 27%
Australia 12%
Canada 10%

Popularity Over Time

Popularity of the name Alma by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Numerology

According to Pythagorean numerology, each letter in a name carries a numerical value. Here are the key numbers for Alma Brophy:

3
Expression Number

Creativity and self-expression. Associated with artistic flair, optimism and sociability — a natural communicator.

8
Soul Urge Number

Ambition and material success. Represents power, business acumen and the drive to achieve significant goals.

4
Personality Number

Stability and hard work. Represents practicality, reliability and dedication — someone who builds solid foundations.

Numerology is a cultural tradition for exploring symbolism in names. Results are for entertainment purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the origin of the first name Alma?
The first name Alma originates from English. Alma ( AHL-mə) or (according to Jones 1997) /'ælmə/) is an English feminine given name, but has historically been used in the masculine form as well, sometimes in the form Almo. The origin of the name is debated; it may have been derived from "alma mater" ("benevolent mother", a title used for the Virgin Mary, and in antiquity, for several goddesses). It gained popularity after the Battle of Alma in the 19th century and appeared as a fashionable name for girls and a popular place name, but it has decreased in appearance in the 20th and 21st centuries.
When was Alma most popular?
The name Alma reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Brophy?
The surname Brophy originates from Irish. Brophy is an Irish surname of ancient origin, which is derived from the Irish "Uí Bhróithe" or "Ó Bróithe" septs that were located mostly around Ballybrophy, Laois, and in counties Carlow and Kilkenny. It is among Europe’s earliest true hereditary surnames, traceable to a 9th-century Ossorian ancestor and still geographically rooted in the same region more than a millennium later. The Brophy family has played a prominent role in Irish history for over a thousand years, producing petty kings (Rí), clerics, soldiers, and writers.
What are the origins of the name Alma Brophy?
The name Alma Brophy combines two different traditions: the first name Alma has English roots, while the surname Brophy originates from Irish.
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