Palmer
Palmer is a boy's name of English origin.
Meaning
Pilgrim; one who carries a palm branch.
Origin and history
Palmer originated as an English occupational surname for a pilgrim who had returned from the Holy Land carrying a palm branch as a token of their journey. Historically used as a masculine given name in the United States, it has experienced a modern resurgence in usage. It offers a classic, nature-adjacent feel with traditional occupational roots.
Popularity in the United States
9,264 babies in the United States have been named Palmer since 1880. It ranks #1254 all-time. Among babies born since 2020 it ranks #952.
States where it is most popular
- PA (9 %)
- MN (8.3 %)
- FL (7.3 %)
- TX (7 %)
- GA (6.8 %)
Trends by decade
| Decade | Births |
|---|---|
| 1880-1890 | 96 |
| 1890-1900 | 142 |
| 1900-1910 | 227 |
| 1910-1920 | 1,024 |
| 1920-1930 | 1,295 |
| 1930-1940 | 809 |
| 1940-1950 | 630 |
| 1950-1960 | 435 |
| 1960-1970 | 315 |
| 1970-1980 | 189 |
| 1980-1990 | 253 |
| 1990-2000 | 489 |
| 2000-2010 | 800 |
| 2010-2019 | 1,303 |
| 2020-2029 | 1,257 |
Famous people named Palmer
- Palmer Luckey: entrepreneur, inventor
Fun facts
- The term originally referred to pilgrims who brought back palm leaves as proof of visiting Jerusalem.
- Palmer fits into the long-standing American tradition of using occupational surnames as given names.