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Baby names

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Original poster

Thoughts on Elma?

57 replies

NappingZzz · 17/01/2026 18:18

Saw an old thread on here absolutely slamming Elma - but wondered what people make of it now? I like the sound of it, simple to spell, sounds classic to me. A bit different to Emma / Ella. Has family meaning for us. Curious what others think!

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Needmorelego · 17/01/2026 20:44

TY78910 · 17/01/2026 20:42

I work with one. Never associated her name with anything - it’s nice.

To the posters saying elephant - isn’t that Elmer?

Yes but it sounds the same.

TY78910 · 17/01/2026 20:42

I work with one. Never associated her name with anything - it’s nice.

To the posters saying elephant - isn’t that Elmer?

mycosyredwooltoque · 17/01/2026 20:40

Another name I just thought of is a name I'd never heard before ; Elna
Very similar to Elma, but without the connection to characters, products etc .. maybe?

sanityisamyth · 17/01/2026 20:01

Elephant

mycosyredwooltoque · 17/01/2026 19:55

My dad's cousin was named Thelma, that's the only name I know, besides Elmer and Alma, that sounds like it.
I think if you like it OP, you should use it!
It's a bit different, but these days, different is sought out, as long as a name isn't chavvy or really out there, which it is neither. I think it's rather nice really.

ItsSlipperyWhenWet · 17/01/2026 19:43

Elmer Fudd?

LilyLemonade · 17/01/2026 19:41

I know a lovely young Elma but I have to say I find it a bit clunky.

YesSirICanNameChange · 17/01/2026 19:39

Makes me think of Elmer the elephant / Emla numbing cream / Elmo

VerityUnreasonble · 17/01/2026 19:37

I initially misread this as Emla (which is a local anesthetic cream).

Having corrected myself, it's an ok name, I neither love nor hate it.

Favouritefruits · 17/01/2026 19:22

You can’t do that to the poor child forever they would be Elmer the Elephant! Nursery’s and Reception classes are full of Elmer books there’d be no way of getting away from it!

Baguetteandcheese · 17/01/2026 19:22

The elephant.

HugoYorway · 17/01/2026 19:11

Patchwork elephant

Etta - Ate a

EmpressaurusKitty · 17/01/2026 19:04

I’m afraid my first thought was Fudd too.

Needmorelego · 17/01/2026 19:02

FolioQuarto · 17/01/2026 18:41

It would be too much like the patchwork elephant in our family.

Are the books still widely read though?

There's an Elmer the Elephant statue that lives outside Elephant and Castle Library.
I always pat him on the head if I walk past 🐘

Thoughts on Elma?
17to35 · 17/01/2026 18:58

It is more common in Scotland and is a shortening of Elsie Mary or Elizabeth Mary
My lovely friend is Elma

Megsdaughter · 17/01/2026 18:47

I had an Auntie Elma, she was Scottish and wouod have been in her 90's now. Love it.

user2848502016 · 17/01/2026 18:46

I quite like it actually
Also like Thelma and Alma

Iwasneverafan · 17/01/2026 18:45

Fudd 😬

mugglewump · 17/01/2026 18:44

Patchwork elephant still popular as a school topic. Alma, not Elma

FolioQuarto · 17/01/2026 18:41

It would be too much like the patchwork elephant in our family.

Are the books still widely read though?

HattiesBag · 17/01/2026 18:41

Sorry, too close to Elmo.

I knew an Elma as a child and always thought her name was really odd TBH

Anewuser · 17/01/2026 18:40

I know an Etta, and she is gorgeous.

MrsArcher23 · 17/01/2026 18:40

I think it’s a lovely name, can’t see any confusion with Elmer but my accent does have a rhotic R.

GeorgeMichaelsCat · 17/01/2026 18:36

Heard of Thelma, never Elma

JimBoBTucker · 17/01/2026 18:35

Reminds me of Elmo from Sesame Street.