Elmer
Elmer: name meaning, origin and popularity
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈɛlmɚ/
Meaning and origin of Elmer
Root meaning: “noble”
- A surname transferred from the given name.
- A male given name from Old English transferred back from the surname in the 19th century U.S.
Etymology
Medieval variant of the given name Aylmer, from Old English Æþelmǣr, from æþel (“noble”) + mǣre (“famous”).
How popular is Elmer?
Since 1880, 1,753 girls and 129,591 boys in the U.S. have been named Elmer (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #757 in 1885. Its highest rank for boys was #32 in 1893. In 2025, 165 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Names similar to Elmer
Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.
More Surname boy names
Sibling name ideas for Elmer
Sister and brother names that share Elmer's Surname roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.
Elmer FAQ
What does the name Elmer mean?
Elmer traces back to a root meaning "noble". A surname transferred from the given name. A male given name from Old English transferred back from the surname in the 19th century U.S. Medieval variant of the given name Aylmer, from Old English Æþelmǣr, from æþel (“noble”) + mǣre (“famous”).
What is the origin of the name Elmer?
Elmer is listed as a name of Surname (transferred from a surname) origin.
How popular is the name Elmer?
Since 1880, 1,753 girls and 129,591 boys in the U.S. have been named Elmer (1% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #757 in 1885. Its highest rank for boys was #32 in 1893. In 2025, 165 babies were given the name, outside the top 1,000.
Is Elmer a boy or girl name?
Elmer is mostly a boy name in the U.S.: 1,753 girls and 129,591 boys since 1880.
Popularity data: U.S. Social Security Administration baby name data, 1880–2025 (names given to 5+ babies per year). Origin and etymology text: Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.