Elmo
Elmo is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Protection, helmet, or worthy of love.
Origin and history
Elmo is a name of Germanic origin, derived from St. Elmo, which evolved as a Italian corruption of Saint Erasmus or from the Germanic root *helm meaning 'helmet' or 'protection'. While historically used as a traditional masculine name in the early 20th century, modern usage in the United States is extremely rare and strongly associated with the Muppet character from Sesame Street.
Popularity in the United States
10,091 babies in the United States have been named Elmo since 1880. It ranks #1193 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1916.
States where it is most popular
- TX (18.1 %)
- LA (12.5 %)
- KY (7.1 %)
- VA (6.3 %)
- OK (5.5 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 135 |
| 1890-1900 | 191 |
| 1900-1910 | 416 |
| 1910-1920 | 2,476 |
| 1920-1930 | 2,891 |
| 1930-1940 | 1,436 |
| 1940-1950 | 1,022 |
| 1950-1960 | 691 |
| 1960-1970 | 376 |
| 1970-1980 | 202 |
| 1980-1990 | 131 |
| 1990-2000 | 85 |
| 2000-2010 | 23 |
| 2010-2019 | 5 |
| 2020-2029 | 11 |
Famous people named Elmo
- Elmo Zumwalt: Admiral, Naval officer
- Elmo Lincoln: Actor
Fun facts
- The name is famous for Saint Elmo's Fire, a weather phenomenon named after Saint Erasmus of Formia, patron saint of sailors.
- The name experienced a massive shift in public perception following the rise in popularity of the red Muppet Elmo on Sesame Street.