Irma

Gender: Female
Origin: German
Meaning: Whole, Entire

What is the meaning of the name Irma?

The name Irma is primarily a female name of German origin that means Whole, Entire.

The name Irma is of German origin and is a short form of various Germanic names beginning with the element “ermen” or “irmen,” which means “whole” or “universal.” Names starting with this element were common in the early medieval period, and Irma can be considered a diminutive form of names like Irmingard or Ermintrude, among others.

Irma, on its own, has been used as a given name since at least the 19th century and has been popular in various European countries as well as in the United States. The meaning of the name reflects qualities of wholeness, completeness, and universality, embodying a sense of strength and encompassing presence. It’s a name that carries with it a historical depth as well as a simple elegance.

Different Spellings of the name Irma:

The name Irma, with its Germanic roots, has relatively few variations in spelling due to its short and straightforward nature. However, there are a few related names and diminutives from various languages that share a similar origin or sound. Here are some variants and closely related forms:

1. **Irmina** – An extended form of Irma, adding a feminine ending, common in several European languages.
2. **Irmgard** – A related German name that incorporates the element “gard” meaning “protection,” hence “universal protection.”
3. **Erma** – A variant spelling of Irma used in English-speaking countries, essentially phonetically identical.
4. **Irmelin** – A diminutive form, adding a tender connotation to the name, used in some German-speaking areas.
5. **Irmine** – Another variation that is similar to Irmina, often found in French and German-speaking countries.

While the name Irma itself doesn’t lend to a wide array of spellings, its related names reflect the broader Germanic tradition of names starting with “Ir” or “Er” and carry similar meanings of universality, wholeness, or protection.