Boy · 47th of 7,545
Elmer
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
131,169
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1918
Peak Popularity Year
4,416
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Elmer stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Elmer is of Old English origin, meaning 'noble and famous'. It evolved from the name Aethelmaer, reflecting a historical lineage. The name is associated with characteristics of nobility and fame. There is no biblical relevance. Elmer saw a rise in popularity in the early 20th century and is viewed as charming yet old-fashioned today. Notable figures include Elmer Fudd, Elmer Bernstein, and Elmer Davis.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛlmər/
Origin
Old English
Etymology
The name Elmer is derived from the Old English name 'Aethelmaer', which is composed of the elements 'aethel' meaning 'noble' and 'maer' meaning 'famous' or 'renowned'.
Meaning
Noble and famous
Language Evolution
Aethelmaer, Elmer
Historical Usage
Elmer gained popularity in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly during the period of the early 1900s.
Variants & Derivatives
El, Elmo
Modern Popularity & Image
Currently, the name Elmer is seen as somewhat old-fashioned but retains a sense of charm and nostalgia. It is less common today but is recognized for its historical significance.
Famous People
Elmer Fudd (fictional character), Elmer Bernstein (composer), Elmer Davis (journalist)
Trend Analysis
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 4,416 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 11 different American generations with varying popularity
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 11 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 47th of 7545 | 63,307 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 115th of 6773 | 30,043 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 281st of 7552 | 12,986 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Boy | 518th of 10718 | 3,907 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Boy | 726th of 16616 | 2,894 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Boy | 858th of 24088 | 3,403 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Boy | 1206th of 23106 | 1,903 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 1030th of 9107 | 899 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 1438th of 9204 | 528 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 3990th of 12526 | 178 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 13184th of 19264 | 21 |