A 1910s favorite, climbing again.
Popularity of Elmar since 1913
Babies named Elmar per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1923, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Elmar's real moment was 1915.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1910s | 10 | 55 |
| 1920s | 10 | 113 |
| 1930s | 0 | 62 |
| 1940s | 0 | 18 |
| 1950s | 0 | 6 |
| 1960s | 0 | 6 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 6 |
| 2010s | 0 | 21 |
| 2020s | 0 | 7 |
Meaning & origin
Elmar is a distinctive German name that has seen little use in the United States. First recorded in 1913, it reached its peak popularity in 1915, but has since remained extremely rare. In recent years, however, the name has shown signs of a revival, with a rising trajectory since 2022. Elmar remains an uncommon choice, appealing to those seeking a name with Germanic heritage and a strong historical resonance. The name is associated with the 1910s, a decade when many traditional German names were still common among immigrant communities. Today, Elmar is a rare find, with fewer than five annual births, making it a unique option for parents looking for an old-world name with a fresh feel.
Elmar is a German name, often considered a variant of Adalmar, composed of the Old High German elements 'adal' (noble) and 'mar' (famous). Alternatively, it may derive from the Old Norse name Alfarr, meaning 'elf army.' The name has been in use in German-speaking regions since the early 20th century.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Elmi
Variants: Elmer
Sibling names for Elmar
Names that share Elmar's style, for a brother or sister.
