Alma \a-lma, al-ma\ as a girl's name is pronounced AL-mah. It is of Latin, Italian, Hebrew and Arabic origin, and the meaning of Alma is "nourishing, kind, soul, young woman, learned". Modern name. Also the name of a river in the Crimea where the famous 19th-century Battle of Alma was fought. "Alma mater" is the term for a college or university, meaning "fostering mother". American vamp of the silent screen, Alma Bennett, composer's wife Alma Mahler. Alma has 2 variant forms: Almah and Allma. For more information, see also the related name Elma. Baby names that sound like Alma are Alima, Aloma and Aluma. View a list of the 2 names that reference Alma.