Palmer

Palmer: name meaning, origin and popularity

Unisex nameEnglish origin#232 in 2025

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈpɑːmə/ · /ˈpɑmɚ/

Meaning and origin of Palmer

Root meaning: “a pilgrim from the Holy Land”

  • A male given name.

Etymology

From Middle English palmer (“a pilgrim from the Holy Land”), from Old French.

How popular is Palmer?

#232girls, 2025
#995boys, 2025
1,560U.S. babies in 2025
#232peak rank (2025)
18,653babies since 1880

Since 1880, 9,389 girls and 9,264 boys in the U.S. have been named Palmer (50% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #232 in 2025. Its highest rank for boys was #386 in 1908. In 2025 it ranked #232 for girls, with 1,560 babies given the name.

188019201960200020251,560 peak/yr
U.S. births per year with this name, 1880–2025 (SSA)

Names similar to Palmer

Names that start with the same letters, most popular first.

More English unisex names

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Sibling name ideas for Palmer

Sister and brother names that share Palmer's English roots and are still in the U.S. top 1,000.

Palmer FAQ

What does the name Palmer mean?

Palmer traces back to a root meaning "a pilgrim from the Holy Land". A male given name. From Middle English palmer (“a pilgrim from the Holy Land”), from Old French.

What is the origin of the name Palmer?

Palmer is listed as a name of English origin.

How popular is the name Palmer?

Since 1880, 9,389 girls and 9,264 boys in the U.S. have been named Palmer (50% girls). Its highest rank for girls was #232 in 2025. Its highest rank for boys was #386 in 1908. In 2025 it ranked #232 for girls, with 1,560 babies given the name.

Is Palmer a boy or girl name?

Palmer is used for both boys and girls in the U.S. (9,389 girls and 9,264 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.