NomOrigine Background

Origin and meaning of the name Velma

What is the origin of the name Velma?

Velma is an Old English female given name that means "mighty in battle" or "strong in will." The name evolved from the Old English name Welma and the Old Norse name Velma, which both mean "willful." The popularity of the name Velma can be attributed to several factors. One is the character Velma Dinkley from the animated television series Scooby-Doo, where she was portrayed as a intelligent and resourceful member of the Mystery Inc. gang. This characterization has further cemented the name's cultural significance in modern times. Another factor contributing to the name's popularity is its presence in various literary works, such as "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button" by F. Scott Fitzgerald and "The Gilded Age" by Mark Twain. However, these instances do not have a direct influence on naming trends but rather serve as examples where the name Velma has been used for fictional or historical characters.

Unlock and discover the hidden secrets of the first name Velma

Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now

For only 3.95 $, you get:

  • Full access for 7 days
  • Unlimited access to all name and surname profiles
  • High-quality Origin Certificate
  • Download: Keep a precious memory with your origins downloadable in PDF format.
  • Unlimited search
  • Ad-Free: Enjoy a smooth and uninterrupted user experience.
  • ✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!
Unlock the Secrets of Your First Name Now
🎁 Special offer today: 3.95 $ instead of 6.95 $
⏳ This exclusive offer expires in:

✅ 15-Day Money-Back Satisfaction Guarantee!

What our users say

“I discovered fascinating details about my family history. This service is amazing for tracing our roots!” - Jean D.

“This site strengthened our sense of family belonging by uncovering our origins. Highly recommended!” - Marie L.

“The information was detailed and accurate. I learned interesting facts about my ancestors. A must-have!” - Paul S.

✅ Join the 5,000+ people who have already discovered the fascinating history of their last name!

Discover my first name's origin now

Frequently Asked Questions

Question: What will I discover by exploring my last name?
Answer: You will discover the geographical origin, etymology, and unique history of your last name. You can also explore family traditions and historical events connected to it.

Question: How long does it take to access the information?
Answer: Once your payment is confirmed, access is instant. You can start exploring right away.

Question: Are the details about my last name accurate?
Answer: Our data comes from extensive research in reliable archives and historical databases. While we cannot guarantee 100% accuracy, we strive to provide the most complete and precise information possible.

Payment Information

or pay by card

By clicking 'Confirm my payment', you agree to our refund policy, accessible via this link: Refund Policy, as well as our cancellation policy accessible via this link: Cancellation Policy

Learn more about the origin of the name Velma

The meaning, etymology, and origin of the name Velma

The name Velma is an English given name that has roots in Old German and Old Norse origins. It is derived from the elements 'wel' (willful or chosen) and 'helm' (helmet, protection), signifying 'chosen protector'. Over time, the name evolved through various spellings such as Welma, Welme, Velmae, and Vealma. The name became popular in the English-speaking world after the character Velma Dinkley was created by writer Joe Ruby and animator Ken Spears for the 1960s Hanna-Barbera animated television series "Scooby-Doo". This fictional character, a bright and resourceful detective, has contributed to the widespread recognition of the name.

Character traits associated with the name Velma

Velma is often characterized by intelligence, curiosity, and determination. Named after the beloved character from Scooby-Doo, this name is commonly associated with individuals who possess a keen mind for problem-solving and investigation. Velmas are often independent thinkers, always ready to delve into mysteries and uncover hidden truths. They are known for their strong sense of justice and their ability to remain calm under pressure. Their persistence can sometimes be tenacious, which, while valuable in investigative pursuits, may also lead them to stubbornness when faced with opposition. Velmas are often admired for their dedication to the truth and their unwavering courage in the face of challenges.

Popularity of the name Velma

Velma is a traditional female given name of English origin, derived from the Old English word "follma," meaning "fame" or "infamy." Although not as common as some other names, Velma has maintained a presence in the United States naming charts for several decades. In recent years, Velma has seen a resurgence in popularity, particularly among parents seeking unique and vintage-inspired names for their children. As of 2021, according to the Social Security Administration's data, Velma ranks at approximately 675th place in the most popular girls' names in the United States, with 493 babies given the name that year. While not among the top 100 names, Velma is a noticeable choice for those seeking a distinctive and enduring moniker.

Famous people with the name Velma

Velma is a name associated with several notable figures, primarily known for their accomplishments in various fields. Velma Demerson, an American actress, was the first African-American woman to star on network television, playing the role of Della Mae Hardy on the radio series The Beulah Show from 1950 to 1953. Velma Bronn Johnston, also known as "Wild Horse Velma," was a Wyoming rancher and horse advocate who successfully petitioned for the creation of the Medicine Bow National Forest. In the realm of cartoons, Velma Dinkley is a character from Scooby-Doo, a popular animated series that has been running since 1969. Lastly, Velma Morrison, an African-American woman from Oklahoma, was one of the last known living participants in the Oklahoma Land Rush of 1889 at the age of 10. Each of these women embodies resilience and achievement in their respective fields, making their names memorable.

Variations of the name Velma

Velma is primarily a female given name of English origin, which has several variations and nicknames. The most common variants include Velmae, Velmira, Velmita, Velmara, and Velmire. Some may also call her Vel or Mia as pet names or short forms. In different cultures, the name can have various meanings. For instance, in Hebrew, Velma is believed to mean "greatness of the sea," while in Greek, it could signify "strong-willed." However, these etymologies are not universally accepted and may vary depending on regional usage and personal interpretation.

Sources & References

About the author :
NomOrigine Team
NomOrigine Team
Passionate about genealogy, name history, and linguistics, we have been analyzing the origins of names for over 3 years. Our content is based on verified historical, etymological, and statistical data.
Last updated : 24 July 2025

Share the origin and meaning of your name with your friends

Search the origin of a first name

Enter the first name you are looking for below:

Similar First Names

Velaram meena (First name)

forenames > velaram-meena

The name "Velaram" is an Indian name of Sanskrit origin. It is derived from the Sanskrit words "vela" meaning time or moment, and "aram" meaning pleasure or happiness. The name "Me...

Velayoudon (First name)

forenames > velayoudon

Velayoudon is a Tamil name that originates from the Tamil Nadu region of India. It is a combination of two words: "Velayudan" which means "victorious spear" and "Nayagan" which mea...

Velda (First name)

forenames > velda

The origin of the given name Velda is uncertain as it is a relatively modern name and its origins are not clearly documented in historical records. However, it is believed to be de...

Veleta (First name)

forenames > veleta

The name Veleta is of Spanish origin. It is derived from the Spanish word for "weather vane" or "windlass". It is believed to have been used as a given name in reference to the win...

Veli-dylan (First name)

forenames > veli-dylan

The name "Veli" is of Turkish origin and means "brother" or "friend." The name "Dylan" is of Welsh origin and means "son of the sea" or "born from the ocean."

Velike (First name)

forenames > velike

The origin of the name Velike is unclear, as it does not have a widely known or documented origin in the English language. It may be a variant or variation of a name from another l...

Velion (First name)

forenames > velion

The name Velion does not have a well-known or specific origin. It is not a common name in English-speaking countries, and its meaning is not widely documented.

Velkan (First name)

forenames > velkan

O nome "Velkan" não tem uma origem específica conhecida. Pode ser um nome criado recentemente ou ter origem em alguma outra língua ou cultura não reconhecida. Sem mais informa...

Velkara (First name)

forenames > velkara

The origin of the first name Velkara is unknown as it does not appear to have any established etymology or cultural background.

Vellankisekhar (First name)

forenames > vellankisekhar

The first name "Vellankisekhar" originates from Sanskrit.

Vellendra (First name)

forenames > vellendra

The name Vellendra does not have a widely recognized origin or meaning in English. It appears to be a unique or rare name without a clear etymology.

Vellturia (First name)

forenames > vellturia

The name "Vellturia" does not have a widely known origin or meaning in English. It does not appear to be a common name with a well-documented history.

Velocity physics (First name)

forenames > velocity-physics

The first name "Velocity" does not have a specific origin in English. It is a modern and unique name that likely derives from the scientific term "velocity" used in physics to desc...

Velsine (First name)

forenames > velsine

The origin of the name Velsine is unclear. It does not appear to have a widely recognized origin or meaning in the English language.

Velt (First name)

forenames > velt

The origin of the first name "Velt" is not clear as it does not have a well-documented origin or specific meaning. It could possibly be a variant or altered form of other names fro...