Rising since 1990, #232 for girls today.
Popularity of Palmer since 1880
Babies named Palmer per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 0 | 96 |
| 1890s | 0 | 142 |
| 1900s | 7 | 227 |
| 1910s | 45 | 1,024 |
| 1920s | 54 | 1,295 |
| 1930s | 20 | 809 |
| 1940s | 31 | 630 |
| 1950s | 45 | 435 |
| 1960s | 38 | 315 |
| 1970s | 0 | 189 |
| 1980s | 18 | 253 |
| 1990s | 61 | 489 |
| 2000s | 128 | 800 |
| 2010s | 2,296 | 1,303 |
| 2020s | 6,646 | 1,257 |
Meaning & origin
Palmer has a distinguished origin as a surname for medieval pilgrims, but its modern appeal lies in its crisp, surname-as-first-name style. After first being recorded as a given name in 1908, it remained fairly uncommon for decades. However, the name has been on a rising trajectory since 1990 and reached its peak popularity in 2025, ranking 232nd overall. It is particularly favored in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Nebraska. With a simple sound and a meaning tied to travel and faith, Palmer fits comfortably alongside other unisexual surname-names like Parker and Sawyer, offering a clean, understated choice that appeals to parents seeking something familiar yet not overused.
Palmer derives from the Old French 'palmer' and Latin 'palma' (palm tree). It was originally a surname for pilgrims who carried palm branches as a symbol of their journey to Jerusalem. As a given name, it gained use in the 19th century, particularly in the United States, and has seen renewed interest as a gender-neutral name.
Where Palmer is most popular
Births per 100,000 girls by state. Press play or drag the slider to watch it move across the decades. The lightest shade means too few recorded births.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Pal, Palm
Variants: Palmar
Sibling names for Palmer
Names that share Palmer's style, for a brother or sister.
