Thoughts on Elma?

[NappingZzz]

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!

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

Elmer Fudd?

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.

Elephant

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?

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.

I love it. New name inspiration!

I also thought Elmer Fudd and Elmo.

Although objectively it is a nice name, as I do also like Alma and Emma.

Too close to Elmo and Elmer, please don’t do that to your kid!

I have an Auntie Elva and she is fab! Just to add an alternative but similar name

Elma - no
Selma/Thelma/Alma - yes

I understand that Elma originated as a diminutive of Wilhelmina, and may have been used mostly in Scotland. I quite like it. As an unusual name it may take time to grow on me. I prefer it over Alma.

The elephant. Are you in Scotland?

It would just make me think of Elmer the Elephant and all his jungle friends.

Sorry.

alternatives:
Alva
Emelia /Emmie
Elvira
Amelie

Elma used to be very popular in Ireland, but I'd say it's seen as quite dated now. But then, old names do come around again, might be it's time!

Not if you pronounce your r's, as rhotic speakers do

New to me

@billiongulls , Many people without a rhotic accent will say 'Elma and ...' as 'Elmer and ...'.

To my ear, it's more like they say Elma and Elma. No r at the end.

Waaaay too many unfortunate connotations, as mentioned here. Poor kid would get at least one of them (the elephant, FUD, etc, etc). Plus she’d be spelling it out forever as it also sounds like other (nicer) names (eg Emma), and just as not-nice ones (Alma - so old-fashioned, etc). I’d pick something else.

I don't like it. Reminds me of the elephant.

Think of the elephant jokes. I know it’s spelt differently but just no.

@billiongulls, Depends where you live probably but it would definitely be 'Elmurand Elmuh' by some people.

I don’t like it although there is an Elma on Towie if that helps?