Holding steady.
Popularity of Gomer since 1911
Babies named Gomer per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1919, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Gomer's real moment was 1912.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1910s | 121 |
| 1920s | 120 |
| 1930s | 95 |
| 1940s | 39 |
| 1950s | 13 |
| 1960s | 11 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Gomer is a biblical name with a complex legacy. Its earliest recorded use in U.S. Social Security data dates to 1911, with a peak in 1912 when it was given to a small number of boys. It has never ranked among the top 1000 names, maintaining a stable but rare presence over the decades. The name's trajectory has been flat, with no significant resurgence or decline. As a name borne by both a male and female figure in scripture, its gender association is ambiguous, though it has been recorded overwhelmingly for boys in the U.S. data. Gomer's rarity and strong biblical ties make it a distinctive choice for families seeking an unusual but historically grounded name.
Gomer appears in the Hebrew Bible as the eldest son of Japheth (Genesis 10:2) and as the unfaithful wife of the prophet Hosea. The name's etymology is debatable; it may derive from a Semitic root meaning 'to finish' or 'complete.' It has been used sparingly in English-speaking countries, often among religious families referencing the biblical figures.
Sibling names for Gomer
Names that share Gomer's style, for a brother or sister.
