Last Name Norma

The surname Norma does not have a clear or direct historical origin that can be definitively traced. It's more commonly known as a given female name rather than a surname. If used as a surname, it could potentially originate from a diminutive form of names beginning with "Norm," such as Norman, which is of Old French origin and derived from the Latin word "normanus" meaning "northman" or "northern man." However, this usage is relatively uncommon. It's always possible for a name to be adopted as a surname in various ways and at different times throughout history. If you have specific information about where or when someone with the surname Norma originates from, further research could potentially provide more context.

Learn more about the origin of the last name Norma

The meaning and origin of the last name Norma

The surname Norma is primarily associated with individuals of Italian origin, although it can also be found among people of other nationalities. In Italian, the name Norma originates from the term "norma," which means "rule" or "standard." This surname could have been given to someone who lived by a certain rule or standard, or as a nickname for someone who was considered to be orderly or disciplined. The name has gained popularity beyond Italy due to the success of the opera Norma by Vincenzo Bellini in the 19th century, which may have influenced its adoption as a surname in other countries.

Geographical distribution of the last name Norma

The surname Norma is predominantly found in countries with Germanic and Scandinavian cultural influences, such as Germany, Norway, Denmark, and Sweden. In these regions, it is often derived from given names related to the Norse goddess Frigga or the Old High German name "Norman" or "Norna," meaning 'adviser' or 'protectress.' The surname Norma can also be found in England, primarily among individuals of Norwegian descent. In the United States and other English-speaking countries, it is less common but may appear due to immigration from these European nations or as a result of creative spelling variations. It's important to note that surnames can have various origins, and the distribution of Norma may include other areas where people share similar cultural, historical, or linguistic backgrounds.

Variants and spellings of the last name Norma

The surname "Norma" has several variations and spellings due to differences in transcription and regional pronunciation. Here are some commonly encountered forms:

1. Norma: This is the most standard spelling, originating from a Latin word meaning "norm," denoting a model or rule.
2. Norman: A variant of the surname, derived from the Old French term "Normanz" which referred to a person from Normandy, a region in France.
3. Normand: Another variant of the surname, derived from "Normandie," the French name for Normandy.
4. Normaan: An archaic or rare spelling variation of the surname.
5. Normann: A Scandinavian variation of the Norman surname.
6. Normal: While usually referring to something conventional or typical, "Normal" can also be a spelling error for the surname Norma/Norman.
7. Normandia: A possible Portuguese or Spanish surname based on the word Normandy, although it functions more as a place name in these languages.
8. Normandez: A Hispanicized form of "Norman," commonly found among Hispanics of French origin.
9. Normanzo: An Italian version of the surname, with the suffix "-o" being common in Southern Italy.

Famous people with the last name Norma

Notable individuals with the surname Norma include:

1. Loretta Young (1913-2000), an American actress who was a leading lady in Hollywood's Golden Age, earning an Academy Award for Best Actress in 1948 for her role in "The Farmer's Daughter."

2. Norma Jean Baker, also known as Marilyn Monroe (1926-1962), an American actress and model who became a cultural icon. She was a top sex symbol during the 1950s and is known for her iconic roles in films such as "Gentlemen Prefer Blondes" and "Some Like It Hot."

3. Norma Desmond, a fictional character created by writer Billy Wilder for his film "Sunset Boulevard" (1950). Portrayed by Gloria Swanson, the character is a faded silent film star grappling with her descent into obscurity.

4. Norma Winstone (born 1937), an English jazz vocalist known for her innovative approach to scat singing and improvisation. She has collaborated with notable jazz musicians such as John McLaughlin, Pat Metheny, and Eberhard Weber.

5. Norma Jean Martine (1949-2022), an American actress best known for her roles in television series such as "Fantasy Island" and "Dynasty." She also played the role of Agent Cooper's secretary, Lucy Moran, on David Lynch's "Twin Peaks."

Genealogical research on the last name Norma

The surname Norma is relatively uncommon and has varied origins, with potential connections to several different ethnic groups. In Scandinavian countries like Norway and Sweden, Norma may be derived from the Old Norse personal name "Normundr," composed of "nor" (north) and "mundr" (protector or defender). It is also possible that Norma originates from Norman, a name given to people of Norman descent in England after the 1066 Conquest. Additionally, in Italy, Norma can be traced back to the Latin word "norma," meaning rule or standard. Genealogical research on individuals with the surname Norma may require exploring various historical and cultural contexts for the most accurate findings.

Last name distribution maps

Sources & References

• INSEE statistics on the surname "Norma"
• Global distribution of the surname on Forebears.io
• Wikipedia Article

About the author :

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 : 28 July 2025

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