Thelma Cottrell

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Thelma Cottrell — Greek
271K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Thelma Cottrell is a name that combines Greek origins. The first name Thelma is a feminine given name of Greek origin. Thelma is a female given name. It was popularized by Victorian writer Marie Corelli who gave the name to the title character of her 1887 novel Thelma. Although the character was supposed to be Norwegian, it is not a traditional Scandinavian name. It may be related to a Greek word meaning "will, volition" see Thelema). Note that although consonant with another female given name, Selma, the two are not synonymous. The surname Cottrell: Alan Cottrell (1919–2012), British metallurgist and physicist Ann Cottrell Free, American journalist Anthony Cottrell, one of the investors in the Port Phillip Association Arthur Cottrell (1885–1918), American football coach Bill Cottrell (1944–2025), American football player Blair Cottrell, an Australian far-right extremist Chris Cottrell, American entrepreneur Con Cottrell, Irish sportsperson Dorthia Cottrell (born 1986), American singer and musician Elizabeth Cottrell (born 1975), American geologist Erin Cottrell (born 1975), American actress Frank Cottrell-Boyce, British screenwriter and n. Thelma is a well-known first name, carried by approximately 271K people globally, with the highest concentration in United States. The name Thelma reached peak popularity in the 1970s, reflecting the naming trends of that era.

Etymology & Origin

First Name: Thelma

Greek

Thelma is a female given name. It was popularized by Victorian writer Marie Corelli who gave the name to the title character of her 1887 novel Thelma. Although the character was supposed to be Norwegian, it is not a traditional Scandinavian name. It may be related to a Greek word meaning "will, volition" see Thelema). Note that although consonant with another female given name, Selma, the two are not synonymous.

Surname: Cottrell

Irish

Alan Cottrell (1919–2012), British metallurgist and physicist Ann Cottrell Free, American journalist Anthony Cottrell, one of the investors in the Port Phillip Association Arthur Cottrell (1885–1918), American football coach Bill Cottrell (1944–2025), American football player Blair Cottrell, an Australian far-right extremist Chris Cottrell, American entrepreneur Con Cottrell, Irish sportsperson Dorthia Cottrell (born 1986), American singer and musician Elizabeth Cottrell (born 1975), American geologist Erin Cottrell (born 1975), American actress Frank Cottrell-Boyce, British screenwriter and n.

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Geographic Distribution

The first name Thelma 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 Thelma by decade, based on birth registration data:

1900s
1910s
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
1990s
2000s
2010s
2020s
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Notable People Named Thelma Cottrell

People listed above share this name. Listed for informational purposes only. Source: Wikipedia.

Numerology

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

11
Expression Number

Intuition and inspiration (Master Number 11). Amplifies spiritual awareness, creative vision and sensitivity.

8
Soul Urge Number

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

3
Personality Number

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

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 Thelma?
The first name Thelma originates from Greek. Thelma is a female given name. It was popularized by Victorian writer Marie Corelli who gave the name to the title character of her 1887 novel Thelma. Although the character was supposed to be Norwegian, it is not a traditional Scandinavian name. It may be related to a Greek word meaning "will, volition" see Thelema). Note that although consonant with another female given name, Selma, the two are not synonymous.
When was Thelma most popular?
The name Thelma reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.
What is the origin of the surname Cottrell?
The surname Cottrell originates from Irish. Alan Cottrell (1919–2012), British metallurgist and physicist Ann Cottrell Free, American journalist Anthony Cottrell, one of the investors in the Port Phillip Association Arthur Cottrell (1885–1918), American football coach Bill Cottrell (1944–2025), American football player Blair Cottrell, an Australian far-right extremist Chris Cottrell, American entrepreneur Con Cottrell, Irish sportsperson Dorthia Cottrell (born 1986), American singer and musician Elizabeth Cottrell (born 1975), American geologist Erin Cottrell (born 1975), American actress Frank Cottrell-Boyce, British screenwriter and n.
What are the origins of the name Thelma Cottrell?
The name Thelma Cottrell combines two different traditions: the first name Thelma has Greek roots, while the surname Cottrell originates from Irish.
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