Holding steady.
Popularity of Selmer since 1887
Babies named Selmer per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1916, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Selmer's real moment was 1899.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 12 |
| 1890s | 63 |
| 1900s | 47 |
| 1910s | 257 |
| 1920s | 222 |
| 1930s | 90 |
| 1940s | 63 |
| 1950s | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Selmer is a rare Norwegian-derived name that appeared in U.S. records starting in 1887. Its peak year was 1899, after which usage declined and stabilized at very low levels. The name has never been common, and its low frequency means no top states or notable rankings exist. Selmer represents a niche choice, reflecting Scandinavian heritage or a family surname, and it has remained consistently rare, with no revival in recent decades.
Selmer is likely a transferred use of the Norwegian surname Selmer, itself possibly derived from a place name. It appeared in the United States in the late 19th century, peaking in popularity in 1899, and has been used sporadically since.
Sibling names for Selmer
Names that share Selmer's style, for a brother or sister.
