Fedelma as a Baby Name. Meaning and Origin of Fedelma

What is the meaning of the name Fedelma ?

The baby name Fedelma is a Female name , 3 syllables long and is pronounced /fəˈdɛlmə/ (fuh-DEL-muh),/ˈfɪdɛlmə/ (FID-el-ma).

Fedelma is Gaelic, Irish in Origin.

Fedelma is an Irish feminine name rooted in Old Irish Fedelm/Feidelm, recorded in early literature and hagiography. A notable bearer is the seer Fedelm of the Táin Bó Cúailnge, and the name is also linked to an early saint, a princess said to have been converted by St Patrick. In later usage the form Fidelma became standard, while Fedelma preserves an older Gaelic look. The name saw quiet survival in Ireland and modest revival in the 20th century, gaining wider notice through Peter Tremayne’s Sister Fidelma historical novels.

Its exact meaning is uncertain. Scholars generally view it as a native Celtic name of obscure etymology; occasional association with Latin fidelis “faithful” reflects later folk interpretation rather than origin. Variants and related forms include Fidelma (common modern spelling), Fedelm and Feidelm (archaic), with Delma used as a short form. Not to be confused with the masculine Feidhlim/Felim.

⚙ Fedelma is exceptionally rare. There are only 2 recorded uses on record, spread over 1 country.