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At a Glance
- Meaning
- Noble and famous (from Old English æðel 'noble' + mær 'famous')
- Origin
- Old English (via the medieval name Aylmer)
- Gender
- Used for both boys and girls
- Pronunciation
- EL-mer
Elmer is an Old English name that combines æðel, meaning 'noble,' with mær, meaning 'famous,' so it translates to 'noble and famous.' It came into English by way of the medieval name Aylmer, and it's pronounced EL-mer. If you want a name with a long history and a straightforward, easy-to-say sound, Elmer fits that.
Meaning & Origin of Elmer
Meaning: Noble and famous (from Old English æðel 'noble' + mær 'famous').
Origin: Old English (via the medieval name Aylmer).
Source: Wiktionary.
How to Pronounce Elmer
EL-merIPA /ˈɛl.mər/
Popularity of Elmer
Elmer peaked at #32 in 1893, when 574 babies were given the name. By 2024 it ranked #1166, with 178 babies, so it's far less common now than it was in the 1890s.
Names Like Elmer
These names have followed a similar path to Elmer in U.S. popularity over the years.
FAQ
What does the name Elmer mean?
Noble and famous (from Old English æðel ‘noble’ + mær ‘famous’). (Source: Wiktionary)
How do you pronounce Elmer?
Elmer is pronounced EL-mer (IPA: /ˈɛl.mər/).
Is Elmer a popular name right now?
Elmer peaked at #32 in 1893 and is ranked #1166 as of 2024. (U.S. Social Security Administration data, 1880–2024.)
Make Elmer Name Art
Free printable nursery art for Elmer, pre-loaded below — pick a layout, palette, and font, then download a print-ready PNG.
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