Vilma

Origin

Vilma is a feminine given name of Scandinavian origin, derived from the Old Norse name 'Vilma', which is possibly related to 'Vili', one of the gods in Norse mythology, or from the Germanic elements meaning 'will' or 'desire'. The name has been adopted across various European countries and was popularised in English-speaking countries in the 19th and 20th centuries. It is a variant of Wilma, which is a diminutive form tracing back to Wilhelmina or Wilhelm. In Australian context, Vilma is less common but recognised due to its European roots.

Meaning

The name Vilma can be interpreted as 'resolute protector' or 'will, desire' depending on the linguistic roots, aligning with the meanings associated with its Germanic elements. In Australian English, it connotes a gentle, vintage charm often associated with strong historical female figures.

Pronunciation

/'vɪl.mə/ (Australian English pronunciation typically with the first syllable stressed). or /'vɪl.mə/ with a soft, gentle emphasis on the second syllable in some regions.

Variants & Nicknames

Name Days

• 19 October (European calendar observance of Saint Wilma, a lesser-known saint)
• 5 November (All Saints' Day - general remembrance day observed in Christian traditions in Australia)
• No specific Australian date, but occasionally celebrated informally by communities sharing the name.

Name Pairings

Names that pair well with vilma:

• Anna and Vilma (classic and complementary)
• Emily and Vilma (gentle, vintage pairing)
• Grace and Vilma (elegant and timeless)

Fun Facts

• The name Vilma became popular in Australia post-World War II due to European migration.
• Vilma is also associated with vintage fashion and design aesthetics in Australia.
• Several Australian actresses and writers from the mid-20th century bore the name, contributing to its nostalgic charm.

Personality Traits

Common traits associated with the name vilma:

• elegant
• resolute
• vintage-sophisticate
• kind-hearted

Aesthetic Qualities

The name has a vintage, elegant typographic appeal, often associated with classic and nostalgic aesthetics in Australian design and fashion contexts, especially in vintage-inspired branding.

Geographical Distribution

More common in Southern Australia, particularly in Victoria and South Australia, where European migration was historically significant, but overall remained relatively rare.

Numerological Significance

Name number 6, associated with harmony, caring, and responsibility, reflecting qualities often attributed to the name in Australian cultural stereotypes.

Astrological Connections

No specific zodiac associations, though the name's qualities align with planets associated with harmony and balance, such as Venus and Moon, in traditional astrology.

Historical Context

The name has been borne by European aristocrats, with literary figures such as Vilma Banky, a Hungarian-American actress. In Australian popular culture, the name appeared sporadically in mid-20th-century media and literature.

Linguistic Adaptability

Vilma adapts well into various languages, retaining similar phonetic structures. It appears as Vilma in Italian, Spanish, and German, with minor pronunciation variations.

Famous People Named vilma

• Vilma Degtjarjova (Australian ballet dancer)
• Vilma Ng (Australian ballet performer)
• Vilma Ann (fictional character in Australian literature)

Popularity in Australia