Alma is from the Latin word almus meaning “nourishing, kind, propitious”. It is also a word for “soul” in Spanish. In Hungarian, it means “apple”. Then, in Hebrew, it means “young woman”. In Arabic it perhaps means "learned, knowing" from almah or alama meaning "to know". It’s a name with a variety of meanings and a lovely sound.

It brings to mind my favorite poem, Soneto XVII by Pablo Neruda. In the first verse it says, "te amo como se aman ciertas cosas oscuras, secretamente, entre la sombra y el alma." Or, in English, "I love you as certain dark things are to be loved, in secret, between the shadow and the soul."

Beautiful.

For me, Alma's imagery changes. It is usually a warm, creamy name like a cozy soft blanket and smells of fresh coconut, vanilla, and clean linens. It is also sometimes early mornings in late summer where the mist hangs in the air: warm, fresh, and new. Right now, however, it is a cool autumn breeze, golden leaves, warm apple cider donuts, and sunshine.

Jay says he thinks of Elmer Fudd but he does think it's quite nice.

c o m b o s

• Alma Aurelia
• Alma Beatrice
• Alma Beatrix
• Alma Betony
• Alma Bridget
• Alma Hazel
• Alma Helena
• Alma Johanna
• Alma Josephine
• Alma Joy
• Alma Lark
• Alma Lily
• Alma Marigold
• Alma Meadow
• Alma Rosalie
• Alma Rosemary
• Alma Thomasin

l o n g l i s t ⇾ here