Names like Alma
Alma is a two-syllable Latin name that ends on a vowel. Each list below follows one of those threads on its own, so you can see exactly what the names share.
The same sound
Two syllables, ending the same way as Alma.
Emma Germanic · "whole, universal," from the old root ermen; it began a thousand years ago as a short form of longer Ermen- names and has stood alone ever since, worn by medieval queens and Austen's heroine alike. About as classic as a girl name can get
Ava Latin · traditionally linked to avis, "bird," though its root is debated: medieval Avas may have carried a Germanic name or a form of Eve, "life." Borne by a ninth-century saint and by the first named woman poet in German, and reborn as a sleek modern favorite
Asma Arabic · supreme, exalted (from the root sama, 'to be high')
Gemma Italian · "gem, precious stone"
The same roots
Also Latin names, from the tradition Alma comes from.
Clara Latin · "clear, bright, famous," from clarus; St. Clare of Assisi gave it saintly standing, and the Nutcracker's heroine dances under it every December. A vintage classic revived across Europe and the Americas alike
Lucy Latin · "light," traditionally, from Lucia and the root lux; in Roman times given to daughters born at daybreak, and in Scandinavia still honored with a festival of candles each December. An old saint's name that sounds permanently fresh
Olivia Latin · "olive tree," from the Latin oliva, the branch that signals peace; given its lasting shape by the countess Olivia of Shakespeare's Twelfth Night. Three centuries of quiet use, then a spectacular rise to the top of English-language charts
Raina Latin · variant of Regina, 'queen'
Names of the same moment
Each of these is at its highest in the 1890s, the same decade as Alma, on a similar curve.
Alta Latin · high, tall
Flora Latin · from Latin 'flos/floris' (flower); Roman goddess of flowers and spring
Lona Latin · short form of Leona, 'lioness', or used as a standalone name
Leta Latin · traditionally 'joy', or a short form of Aleta
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