When was Thelma most popular?

The name Thelma reached its peak popularity during the 1970s.

What are the origins of the name Thelma Orr?

The name Thelma Orr combines two different traditions: the first name Thelma has Greek roots, while the surname Orr originates from Celtic.

Thelma Orr — 271K & 44K bearers

Thelma Orr 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 Orr: Orr is a surname of Scottish and Ulster-Scots origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Odhar meaning "dark, pale". In Scotland, Orr may be a sept of Clan Campbell. The primary origin is from the Gaelic odhar, meaning "dark", "dun". Padraig Mac Giolla Domhnaigh, suggested that the Irish surname originates from an Anglicisation of Gaelic Mac Iomhaire. Mac Giolla Domhnaigh stated that this was an old name from Renfrewshire, and a sept of the Campbells; he stated that the name was earlier spelt Mac Ure. 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: Orr

Celtic

Orr is a surname of Scottish and Ulster-Scots origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Odhar meaning "dark, pale". In Scotland, Orr may be a sept of Clan Campbell. The primary origin is from the Gaelic odhar, meaning "dark", "dun". Padraig Mac Giolla Domhnaigh, suggested that the Irish surname originates from an Anglicisation of Gaelic Mac Iomhaire. Mac Giolla Domhnaigh stated that this was an old name from Renfrewshire, and a sept of the Campbells; he stated that the name was earlier spelt Mac Ure.

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

Notable People Named Thelma Orr

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 Orr:

11

Expression Number

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

3

Soul Urge Number

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

8

Personality Number

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

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 Orr?: The surname Orr originates from Celtic. Orr is a surname of Scottish and Ulster-Scots origin. It is derived from the Gaelic Odhar meaning "dark, pale". In Scotland, Orr may be a sept of Clan Campbell. The primary origin is from the Gaelic odhar, meaning "dark", "dun". Padraig Mac Giolla Domhnaigh, suggested that the Irish surname originates from an Anglicisation of Gaelic Mac Iomhaire. Mac Giolla Domhnaigh stated that this was an old name from Renfrewshire, and a sept of the Campbells; he stated that the name was earlier spelt Mac Ure.
What are the origins of the name Thelma Orr?: The name Thelma Orr combines two different traditions: the first name Thelma has Greek roots, while the surname Orr originates from Celtic.