Elmo Unisex
Origin(s)
PronunciationEL-mo / ˈɛlmoʊItalian; Spanish
Meaning
Italian: 'the helmeted one'; Spanish: diminutive of 'Elías'
Historical & Cultural Background
The name Elmo has its roots in the Old High German name "Helm", which means "helmet" or "protection". This name evolved through various linguistic stages, transitioning into the Latin form "Aldhelm" and later into the Italian "Elmo". The name made its way into English through the influence of Italian and Germanic languages, particularly during the medieval period when names were often adapted and adopted across cultures. The phonetic structure of Elmo reflects a common practice in name formation where elements of protection or safety are emphasized, aligning with its original meaning.
Historically, the name Elmo is associated with Saint Elmo, a Christian martyr from the early centuries of the Church, who is often invoked by sailors for protection during storms. His feast day is celebrated on June 2nd, and he is recognized in various Christian traditions. The name gained further prominence through the legend of "St. Elmo's Fire," a weather phenomenon that sailors believed to be a sign of the saint's presence, thus reinforcing the name's connection to safety and guidance at sea. The name has also appeared in various literary works and folklore, contributing to its cultural resonance.
In addition to its historical and religious significance, Elmo has been embraced in popular culture, particularly through the character Elmo from the children's television show "Sesame Street," which first aired in the 1960s. This character, known for his friendly demeanor and educational content, has helped to solidify the name's association with warmth and approachability. The enduring nature of the name Elmo can be attributed to its strong historical roots, cultural associations with protection, and its presence in both religious and popular narratives.
Trend Summary
Elmo has seen fluctuating popularity in the United States, particularly influenced by the character from 'Sesame Street'.
Similar Names
Variants
- Elmus
- Elmoe
International Variants
- Elmo (Italian)
- Elmo (Spanish)
Famous people named Elmo
Elmo is a character best known for Sesame Street and Elmo's World.
Fictional characters named Elmo
Elmo is a fictional character from the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a friendly, red monster known for his high-pitched voice and love of learning.
Sibling Suggestions
U.S. Historical Usage
The name Elmo was first seen in the United States in 1880. Elmo has ranked as high as #540 nationally, which occurred in 1920, and has been most popular in Texas, Louisiana, Kentucky, Virginia, and Oklahoma. In the past 5 years the name Elmo has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.
Popularity Over Time (National)
Top States for Elmo (1994)
State | Births | Share |
---|---|---|
TX | 6 |
Popularity Over Time (National) — Table
Year | Births |
---|---|
1880 | 15 |
1881 | 9 |
1882 | 19 |
1883 | 16 |
1884 | 12 |
1885 | 14 |
1886 | 12 |
1887 | 8 |
1888 | 17 |
1889 | 13 |
1890 | 12 |
1891 | 15 |
1892 | 14 |
1893 | 16 |
1894 | 12 |
1895 | 26 |
1896 | 23 |
1897 | 21 |
1898 | 32 |
1899 | 20 |
1900 | 40 |
1901 | 29 |
1902 | 27 |
1903 | 27 |
1904 | 27 |
1905 | 27 |
1906 | 50 |
1907 | 58 |
1908 | 51 |
1909 | 80 |
1910 | 86 |
1911 | 104 |
1912 | 169 |
1913 | 197 |
1914 | 247 |
1915 | 286 |
1916 | 363 |
1917 | 366 |
1918 | 334 |
1919 | 324 |
1920 | 397 |
1921 | 370 |
1922 | 317 |
1923 | 338 |
1924 | 313 |
1925 | 273 |
1926 | 243 |
1927 | 235 |
1928 | 235 |
1929 | 170 |
1930 | 183 |
1931 | 137 |
1932 | 158 |
1933 | 150 |
1934 | 138 |
1935 | 148 |
1936 | 144 |
1937 | 128 |
1938 | 137 |
1939 | 113 |
1940 | 103 |
1941 | 115 |
1942 | 125 |
1943 | 121 |
1944 | 116 |
1945 | 78 |
1946 | 99 |
1947 | 100 |
1948 | 94 |
1949 | 71 |
1950 | 76 |
1951 | 86 |
1952 | 65 |
1953 | 70 |
1954 | 81 |
1955 | 71 |
1956 | 63 |
1957 | 66 |
1958 | 53 |
1959 | 60 |
1960 | 48 |
1961 | 51 |
1962 | 42 |
1963 | 38 |
1964 | 46 |
1965 | 28 |
1966 | 30 |
1967 | 31 |
1968 | 27 |
1969 | 35 |
1970 | 24 |
1971 | 19 |
1972 | 28 |
1973 | 19 |
1974 | 18 |
1975 | 20 |
1976 | 27 |
1977 | 17 |
1978 | 15 |
1979 | 15 |
1980 | 9 |
1981 | 16 |
1982 | 13 |
1983 | 18 |
1984 | 15 |
1985 | 12 |
1986 | 14 |
1987 | 14 |
1988 | 14 |
1989 | 6 |
1990 | 10 |
1991 | 12 |
1992 | 9 |
1993 | 8 |
1994 | 18 |
1996 | 7 |
1997 | 8 |
1998 | 7 |
1999 | 6 |
2001 | 11 |
2003 | 7 |
2009 | 5 |
2013 | 5 |
2021 | 6 |
2023 | 5 |