Log in · Sign up

Palmer Unisex

Popularity: #242 · Trend: ↗ Rising

Origin(s)

PronunciationPAL-mer / /ˈpɑːlmər/

English; Old French

Meaning

English: 'one who is a palmer'; Old French: 'pilgrim'

Historical & Cultural Background

The name Palmer has its roots in the Old French word "palmer," which derives from the Latin "palma," meaning "palm tree." This etymology reflects the historical significance of palm branches as symbols of victory and peace, often associated with pilgrims who traveled to the Holy Land and returned with palm fronds as tokens of their journey. The name entered the English language during the Norman Conquest in the 11th century, when it was adopted as a surname for those who had made such pilgrimages, particularly to Jerusalem.

Historically, the name Palmer has been associated with various notable figures and events. In medieval England, it became a common surname for individuals who had undertaken a pilgrimage, especially to the Holy Land, and it was often used in literature and folklore. The name appears in Geoffrey Chaucer's "The Canterbury Tales," written in the late 14th century, where it is used to describe characters embarking on a pilgrimage. This literary reference helped to cement the name's association with travel and spiritual journeys.

Culturally, Palmer carries connotations of devotion and exploration, reflecting the historical significance of pilgrimage in medieval society. The name has been used in various forms across different cultures, with diminutive or related forms such as "Palma" being found in other languages. The enduring nature of the name can be attributed to its rich historical context and the symbolic meanings associated with the palm tree, which has long been a symbol of triumph and peace in various cultures. Thus, Palmer not only serves as a personal name but also encapsulates a broader narrative of faith, journey, and cultural significance.

Trend Summary

Palmer has seen a gradual increase in popularity for girls in the United States in recent years.

Similar Names

Variants

  • Palma

International Variants

  • Palma (Spanish)
  • Palmer (German)

Famous people named Palmer

Palmer Luckey is an entrepreneur best known for founding Oculus VR and developing the Oculus Rift.

Palmer J. Holt is a notable figure in the field of education, recognized for his contributions to educational reform.

Fictional characters named Palmer

Palmer is a fictional character from the film The Thing. He is a member of the Antarctic research team who becomes one of the infected by an alien organism.

Sibling Suggestions

U.S. Historical Usage

The name Palmer was first seen in the United States in 1908. Palmer has ranked as high as #483 nationally, which occurred in 2024, and has been most popular in Texas, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Ohio. In the past 5 years the name Palmer has been trending up compared to the previous 5 years.

Popularity Over Time (National)

Top States for Palmer (2024)

StateBirthsShare
TX 110
9%
FL 85
7%
OH 70
6%
TN 68
6%
NC 64
6%
GA 61
5%
IN 47
4%
KY 40
3%
SC 39
3%
CA 37
3%
IL 35
3%
MO 34
3%
AL 34
3%
PA 30
3%
KS 29
3%

Popularity Over Time (National) — Table

YearBirths
19087
19105
19125
19137
19155
19165
191711
19187
19207
19219
19226
19239
19247
19257
19269
19305
19327
19338
19445
194710
19486
194910
195013
19545
19555
19566
19578
19598
19606
19616
19647
19655
19677
19687
19815
19868
19895
19928
19937
19948
19957
19969
19975
199812
19995
20007
20018
20027
200310
200411
200510
200614
200724
200820
200917
201013
201167
2012138
2013132
2014173
2015177
2016241
2017247
2018433
2019675
2020888
2021996
20221,075
20231,132
20241,221