Gilmer
Gilmer is a boy's name of Germanic origin.
Meaning
Bright pledge or famous hostage.
Origin and history
Gilmer is a surname-derived given name with Old English and Germanic roots. It traditionally means 'famous hostage' or 'bright pledge', originating from elements like 'gisel' (pledge/hostage) and 'mar' (famous). While historically uncommon in the United States, it saw peak usage in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Popularity in the United States
1,187 babies in the United States have been named Gilmer since 1880. It ranks #3509 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #1897.
States where it is most popular
- NC (64.5 %)
- VA (28.8 %)
- TX (4 %)
- WV (2.7 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 0 |
| 1890-1900 | 0 |
| 1900-1910 | 15 |
| 1910-1920 | 229 |
| 1920-1930 | 291 |
| 1930-1940 | 195 |
| 1940-1950 | 187 |
| 1950-1960 | 117 |
| 1960-1970 | 43 |
| 1970-1980 | 11 |
| 1980-1990 | 5 |
| 1990-2000 | 0 |
| 2000-2010 | 21 |
| 2010-2019 | 43 |
| 2020-2029 | 30 |
Fun facts
- Gilmer originally developed as an English and Scottish surname before being adopted as a masculine given name.
- Several towns and counties across the United States bear the name Gilmer, including Gilmer, Texas.