Elmer
Elmer is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Noble and famous.
Origin and history
Elmer originated as an English surname derived from Old English given names such as Aylmer, meaning noble or famous. It was historically popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, it is seen as a traditional classic name with vintage appeal.
Popularity in the United States
129,591 babies in the United States have been named Elmer since 1880. It ranks #258 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1101.
States where it is most popular
- PA (8.9 %)
- IL (6.4 %)
- OH (5.8 %)
- TX (5.1 %)
- KY (4.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 4,627 |
| 1890-1900 | 5,647 |
| 1900-1910 | 6,161 |
| 1910-1920 | 28,600 |
| 1920-1930 | 34,919 |
| 1930-1940 | 17,371 |
| 1940-1950 | 10,879 |
| 1950-1960 | 6,881 |
| 1960-1970 | 3,833 |
| 1970-1980 | 2,137 |
| 1980-1990 | 1,567 |
| 1990-2000 | 2,104 |
| 2000-2010 | 2,274 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,639 |
| 2020-2029 | 952 |
Famous people named Elmer
- Elmer Bernstein: Composer, Conductor
- Elmer Rice: Playwright, Author
Fun facts
- Elmer was consistently ranked among the top 50 male names in the United States during the late 1800s.
- It transitioned from an Old English surname into a popular given name during the 19th century.