Thelma Macfarlane

Name meaning, origin and global statistics

Thelma Macfarlane — Greek
271K People worldwide
United States Most common in
1970s Peak popularity
Gender
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Thelma Macfarlane 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 Macfarlane: MacFarlane or Macfarlane is a surname derived from the Gaelic patronymic Mac Phàrlain (son of Parlan), shared by: Alan Macfarlane (born 1941), professor of anthropological science at Cambridge University Alan Brock MacFarlane (1924–2018), lawyer, judge and political figure in British Columbia Sir Alistair MacFarlane (1931–2021), British electrical engineer Allison Macfarlane, chairman of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Amy MacFarlane (born 1974), former field hockey forward Andrew Macfarlane (died 1819), Anglican clergyman who served as a bishop in the Scottish Episcopal Church. 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: Macfarlane

Celtic

MacFarlane or Macfarlane is a surname derived from the Gaelic patronymic Mac Phàrlain (son of Parlan), shared by: Alan Macfarlane (born 1941), professor of anthropological science at Cambridge University Alan Brock MacFarlane (1924–2018), lawyer, judge and political figure in British Columbia Sir Alistair MacFarlane (1931–2021), British electrical engineer Allison Macfarlane, chairman of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Amy MacFarlane (born 1974), former field hockey forward Andrew Macfarlane (died 1819), Anglican clergyman who served as a bishop in the Scottish Episcopal Church.

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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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Numerology

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

7
Expression Number

Wisdom and introspection. A deep, analytical mind drawn to philosophy, spirituality and the search for truth.

5
Soul Urge Number

Freedom and adaptability. A dynamic, versatile personality that embraces change and seeks new experiences.

11
Personality Number

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

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 Macfarlane?
The surname Macfarlane originates from Celtic. MacFarlane or Macfarlane is a surname derived from the Gaelic patronymic Mac Phàrlain (son of Parlan), shared by: Alan Macfarlane (born 1941), professor of anthropological science at Cambridge University Alan Brock MacFarlane (1924–2018), lawyer, judge and political figure in British Columbia Sir Alistair MacFarlane (1931–2021), British electrical engineer Allison Macfarlane, chairman of the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission Amy MacFarlane (born 1974), former field hockey forward Andrew Macfarlane (died 1819), Anglican clergyman who served as a bishop in the Scottish Episcopal Church.
What are the origins of the name Thelma Macfarlane?
The name Thelma Macfarlane combines two different traditions: the first name Thelma has Greek roots, while the surname Macfarlane originates from Celtic.
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