This post contains affiliate links.
At a Glance
- Meaning
- As a surname, traced to Æþelmær ('noble' + 'famous'); some sources instead explain it as a place name meaning 'elm-tree moor.'
- Origin
- English (surname, from Old English Æþelmær)
- Gender
- Used for both boys and girls
- Pronunciation
- EL-mor
Elmore started out as an English surname, and Wiktionary traces it back to the Old English name Æþelmær, built from words meaning 'noble' and 'famous.' You may have come across a different story — that it means a moor or meadow with elm trees — but that explanation doesn't match the Wiktionary derivation, which instead ties Elmore to the same root as Elmer and Aylmer. It's a name with documented surname roots rather than a single settled meaning.
Meaning & Origin of Elmore
Meaning: As a surname, traced to Æþelmær ('noble' + 'famous'); some sources instead explain it as a place name meaning 'elm-tree moor.'.
Origin: English (surname, from Old English Æþelmær).
A common claim: moor/meadow with elm trees Actually: Elmore's 'moor with elm trees' story doesn't match its actual derivation, which traces the name to the same root as Elmer/Aylmer ('noble, famous').
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Elmore
EL-morIPA /ˈɛlmɔːr/
Popularity of Elmore
Elmore hit its high point in 1896, ranking #402 with 24 baby boys given the name; by 2021, the most recent year in the SSA's 1880-2021 data, it had dropped to #12685 with only 5 babies named Elmore.
Names Like Elmore
Names with a similar style, era, origin or popularity history.
FAQ
What does the name Elmore mean?
As a surname, traced to Æþelmær (‘noble’ + ‘famous’); some sources instead explain it as a place name meaning ‘elm-tree moor.’. (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Elmore?
Elmore is pronounced EL-mor (IPA: /ˈɛlmɔːr/).
Is Elmore a popular name right now?
Elmore peaked at #402 in 1896 and is ranked #12685 as of 2021. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2021.)
Make Elmore Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Elmore, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
📊 How popular is Elmore? See the full popularity history, trend data, and ranking since 1880 with our free Baby Name Popularity Checker.
🎲 Think you know your baby names? Take the quiz!
📱 The Baby Names app is here
Swipe names, match with your partner the moment you both say yes, and claim a free Name Art print of your winner. Free to download. See all our apps →
