Surname Elma - Meaning and Origin
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Elma: What does the surname Elma mean?
The last name Elma is an old Germanic name originating from the pre-Christian era. It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "Elmaeraz", which translates to “family member of the old people”.
Due to this definition, the name is believed to have originated among the old clans of the German and Scandinavian regions. It also suggests that those with the Elma surname most likely trace their roots to one of these ancient tribes.
The symbolic meaning behind the name Elma centers around the concept of ancestry and continual renewal. It conveys a sense of lineage and tradition, with a reminder to keep reviving the collective memory and pride of one’s extended family.
Through the centuries, Elma has remained as a strong representation of the past. From Medieval cities to modern-day communities, the name appears over and over again throughout history.
Today, Elma is a popular surname, as it carries with it a deep sense of identity. Many with the Elma last name carry their history and legacy proudly, ensuring that their family’s cultural heritage remains alive and intact for future generations.
Order DNA origin analysisElma: Where does the name Elma come from?
Elma is a surname which is believed to be derived from the Germanic given name Ermin or Ermina which is derived from the Old Germanic Irmin meaning universal or whole. While it is not one of the most common surnames, it is found in many parts of the world today including throughout Europe, Russia, and in eastern and western Africa.
In Europe, Elma is most commonly found in Germany, Switzerland, Austria, and the Netherlands. In Russia, the surname is particularly common among the Kalmyks, a part-Mongolian and part-Turkic people living in Russia's Astrakhan region and near the Caspian Sea. In Africa, Elma is especially common in Ethiopia, Angola, Kenya, Congo, and Nigeria.
In the United States and Canada, Elma is not as common but is still present in significant numbers, particularly in parts of the Midwest and West Coast. In fact, the name was first recorded in America in 1832 in Pennsylvania. Elma can also be found in the French Caribbean, some South American countries, and even some Arabian gulf countries such as Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
No matter what part of the world it appears, Elma is an interesting surname which is most often associated with Germanic roots.
Variations of the surname Elma
The surname Elma has several variants, spellings and connected surnames all of the same origin. Variants of the surname Elma include Elmm, Elm, Elmah, and Elmas. Alternate spellings include Elema, Helma, and Alima. Connected surnames include Flema, Helmas, Elmer, Ellmer, Illum, Helmen, Elmermann, and Hellmann.
The surname Elma is thought to have originated from a medieval personal name. This name is derived from the Old Norse 'áll', which means ‘noble’ or ‘protector’. It is possible that this may have been further simplified to form the Elma surname.
In Ireland, the Elm surname is thought to be of Scottish origin, derived from the MaccElme family. This family is thought to have originally come from Ulster, before emigrating to Scotland due to persecution in the 16th century.
In England, the Elma name can be traced back to the 1500s. Records show that Thomas Elma, or Helme, was a tenant in 1297 in South Devon. The surname was also recorded in the parish records of Wiltshire in 1583. It was also listed in the Littlecote Manor Court rolls in 1589.
The surname Elma is most common in Ireland, Germany, and the United States. Other countries with smaller populations include Scotland, England, Australia, Canada, and France.
In conclusion, the surname Elma has many variants, spellings, and connected surnames, all of the same origin. It is thought to have originally come from a medieval personal name, and continues to be used in many countries around the world.
Famous people with the name Elma
- Orhan Elma: Turkish footballer
- Wayne Elma: Canadian writer and artist
- Fadwa Elma: Moroccan Fashion Entrepreneur
- Nilay Elma: Turkish lawyer and author
- Jody Elma: Scottish television presenter
- Erol Elma: Turkish music composer
- Alan Elma: Dutch fashion designer
- Hilal Elma: Turkish actress
- Ali Elma: Turkish actor
- Meryem Elma: Turkish actress