Elmer, a name with a rich history and a distinctive sound, evokes a sense of classic charm. This article delves into the meaning, popularity trends, and alternative names associated with Elmer, providing a comprehensive overview for those considering this name for their child.
The Enduring Appeal of Elmer
The name Elmer carries an air of vintage appeal, a quality that resonates with parents seeking a name that is both familiar and unique. While not as common as it once was, Elmer remains a solid choice, offering a touch of old-world charm. The enduring nature of the name Elmer speaks to its inherent likeability and timelessness.
What Does Elmer Mean?
Elmer’s roots lie in Old English. It is generally accepted to derive from the elements "æðel" meaning noble and "mær" meaning famous. Thus, Elmer is interpreted to mean "noble and famous." This strong and distinguished meaning adds to the name’s appeal, associating it with qualities of honor and renown.
Elmer Name Popularity Over Time
Let’s explore the historical popularity of the name Elmer based on data from the Social Security Administration (SSA). The following provides the rank, number of births, and percentage of births for boys named Elmer in the United States from 1910 to 2023.
| Year | Rank | # Births | % Births |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1910 | 47 | 725 | 0.2059% |
| 1911 | 48 | 874 | 0.2347% |
| 1912 | 46 | 1,829 | 0.3627% |
| 1913 | 45 | 2,313 | 0.408% |
| 1914 | 46 | 2,875 | 0.4125% |
| 1915 | 45 | 3,795 | 0.4177% |
| 1916 | 45 | 3,928 | 0.4066% |
| 1917 | 45 | 3,808 | 0.3806% |
| 1918 | 44 | 4,364 | 0.4066% |
| 1919 | 44 | 3,969 | 0.379% |
| 1920 | 45 | 4,200 | 0.3777% |
| 1921 | 48 | 4,145 | 0.362% |
| 1922 | 54 | 3,726 | 0.3344% |
| 1923 | 57 | 3,624 | 0.3236% |
| 1924 | 57 | 3,729 | 0.3211% |
| 1925 | 61 | 3,346 | 0.296% |
| 1926 | 61 | 3,222 | 0.2929% |
| 1927 | 61 | 3,195 | 0.2886% |
| 1928 | 63 | 2,968 | 0.2774% |
| 1929 | 70 | 2,681 | 0.2588% |
| 1930 | 80 | 2,462 | 0.2357% |
| 1931 | 82 | 2,250 | 0.228% |
| 1932 | 93 | 2,044 | 0.2069% |
| 1933 | 100 | 1,772 | 0.1902% |
| 1934 | 108 | 1,702 | 0.1761% |
| 1935 | 115 | 1,575 | 0.1621% |
| 1936 | 121 | 1,397 | 0.145% |
| 1937 | 120 | 1,394 | 0.1415% |
| 1938 | 130 | 1,313 | 0.1283% |
| 1939 | 132 | 1,310 | 0.1288% |
| 1940 | 142 | 1,214 | 0.1142% |
| 1941 | 147 | 1,172 | 0.1041% |
| 1942 | 158 | 1,216 | 0.0963% |
| 1943 | 153 | 1,291 | 0.0989% |
| 1944 | 164 | 1,048 | 0.0846% |
| 1945 | 170 | 945 | 0.0775% |
| 1946 | 178 | 1,016 | 0.0689% |
| 1947 | 201 | 965 | 0.0578% |
| 1948 | 202 | 938 | 0.0588% |
| 1949 | 216 | 825 | 0.0513% |
| 1950 | 226 | 778 | 0.0483% |
| 1951 | 228 | 811 | 0.0478% |
| 1952 | 246 | 726 | 0.0416% |
| 1953 | 266 | 650 | 0.0367% |
| 1954 | 269 | 652 | 0.0357% |
| 1955 | 264 | 678 | 0.0369% |
| 1956 | 287 | 621 | 0.0329% |
| 1957 | 287 | 631 | 0.0328% |
| 1958 | 328 | 510 | 0.027% |
| 1959 | 334 | 498 | 0.0262% |
| 1960 | 343 | 475 | 0.0251% |
| 1961 | 365 | 435 | 0.023% |
| 1962 | 391 | 391 | 0.0213% |
| 1963 | 394 | 372 | 0.0207% |
| 1964 | 411 | 339 | 0.0193% |
| 1965 | 402 | 341 | 0.0209% |
| 1966 | 436 | 267 | 0.0171% |
| 1967 | 438 | 259 | 0.0171% |
| 1968 | 445 | 256 | 0.017% |
| 1969 | 445 | 264 | 0.0171% |
| 1970 | 480 | 244 | 0.0153% |
| 1971 | 502 | 218 | 0.0145% |
| 1972 | 511 | 193 | 0.0142% |
| 1973 | 559 | 156 | 0.012% |
| 1974 | 524 | 177 | 0.0136% |
| 1975 | 579 | 147 | 0.0114% |
| 1976 | 617 | 131 | 0.0102% |
| 1977 | 659 | 119 | 0.0088% |
| 1978 | 665 | 110 | 0.0082% |
| 1979 | 627 | 136 | 0.0096% |
| 1980 | 675 | 118 | 0.0081% |
| 1981 | 771 | 83 | 0.0056% |
| 1982 | 740 | 93 | 0.0062% |
| 1983 | 769 | 79 | 0.0054% |
| 1984 | 705 | 101 | 0.0068% |
| 1985 | 775 | 84 | 0.0055% |
| 1986 | 780 | 87 | 0.0058% |
| 1987 | 736 | 106 | 0.0069% |
| 1988 | 731 | 120 | 0.0077% |
| 1989 | 750 | 123 | 0.0076% |
| 1990 | 674 | 179 | 0.0108% |
| 1991 | 682 | 171 | 0.0105% |
| 1992 | 673 | 189 | 0.0118% |
| 1993 | 732 | 153 | 0.0098% |
| 1994 | 747 | 148 | 0.0096% |
| 1995 | 717 | 172 | 0.0114% |
| 1996 | 721 | 170 | 0.0114% |
| 1997 | 692 | 185 | 0.0125% |
| 1998 | 734 | 175 | 0.0117% |
| 1999 | 844 | 132 | 0.0088% |
| 2000 | 788 | 157 | 0.0103% |
| 2001 | 769 | 176 | 0.0117% |
| 2002 | 772 | 174 | 0.0116% |
| 2003 | 668 | 250 | 0.0164% |
| 2004 | 836 | 160 | 0.0105% |
| 2005 | 821 | 179 | 0.0117% |
| 2006 | 900 | 164 | 0.0105% |
| 2007 | 864 | 186 | 0.0118% |
| 2008 | 987 | 139 | 0.009% |
| 2009 | 890 | 179 | 0.012% |
| 2010 | 952 | 153 | 0.0106% |
| 2011 | 978 | 140 | 0.0098% |
| 2012 | 1193 | 87 | 0.0061% |
| 2013 | 1077 | 110 | 0.0077% |
| 2014 | 1038 | 125 | 0.0086% |
| 2015 | 1235 | 82 | 0.0056% |
| 2016 | 1134 | 102 | 0.0071% |
| 2017 | 1125 | 100 | 0.0072% |
| 2018 | 1160 | 92 | 0.0067% |
| 2019 | 1001 | 131 | 0.0097% |
| 2020 | 1381 | 74 | 0.0058% |
| 2021 | 1185 | 115 | 0.0094% |
| 2022 | 1200 | 119 | 0.009% |
| 2023 | 1356 | 90 | 0.007% |
The data reveals that Elmer’s peak popularity occurred in the early 20th century, particularly from the 1910s to the 1940s. Since then, its usage has gradually declined, although it continues to be chosen by some parents seeking a classic name. The name Elmer experienced its highest rankings during the early 20th century, suggesting that it was a fashionable and well-regarded name at the time. Its decline in popularity since then reflects changing naming trends and preferences.
Names Related to Elmer
If you’re drawn to the name Elmer, you might also appreciate these variations and similar-sounding names:
Variants of Elmer:
- Aylmar: Meaning "noble, famous" (English origin).
- Aylmer: Meaning "noble, renowned" (English origin).
- Aymer: Meaning "noble, famous" (English origin).
- Elemer: Meaning "noble, famous" (English origin).
- Ellmer: Meaning "noble, famous" (English origin).
- Elmir: Meaning "noble, famous" (English origin).
Names that Sound Like Elmer:
- Eylmer: Meaning "noble and renowned" (English origin).
- Ulmer: Meaning "fame of the wolf" (English origin).
Famous Elmers
While not as ubiquitous as some other names, several notable individuals have borne the name Elmer, contributing to its legacy. This includes Elmer Fudd, a cartoon character, who contributed to the recognizability of the name Elmer in modern culture, and Elmer Bernstein, a renowned film composer.
Is Elmer the Right Name for Your Child?
Ultimately, the decision of whether to name your child Elmer is a personal one. Consider the name’s meaning, its historical popularity, and how it sounds alongside your surname. If you are searching for a classic, meaningful name with a touch of vintage charm, Elmer might be the perfect choice.
