Origin and Meaning of Irma

Universal, whole

Origin: Germanic - Derived from the Germanic element 'ermen' which means 'whole' or 'universal'. It relates to the name 'Irmin', which was often used in reference to a great goddess.

• Irma was popular in the late 19th and early 20th century, particularly in German-speaking countries.
• The name has variations in different languages, such as Irmina in Polish and Erma in Italian.
• Notable bearers of the name include Irma Rangel, a prominent American politician, and Irma Grese, a controversial figure from WWII.
• Irma saw a resurgence in popularity in the early 1900s, but has since declined in use, particularly after the mid-20th century.
• Related names include Irmin, which carries similar meanings, and can be associated with names like Irmajean and Irmalee.