Meaning unknown. It was a rare name when British author Marie Corelli used it for the Norwegian heroine of her novel 'Thelma' (1887). The name became popular around the end of the 19th century after the novel was published. It is sometimes claimed to derive from Greek θελημα (thelema) meaning "will", though this seems unlikely. This name was most likely created by the British author Marie Corelli in her 1887 novel Thelma, Norwegian Princess, and has been popular ever since. More recently, it was revived by the 1991 film Thelma and Louise, starring Geena Davis and Susan Sarandon. Some sources suggest that the name could be of Greek origin, meaning "will, volition", but it is rather unlikely.
