Declining since 2006, #1,728 for boys today.
Popularity of Wilmer since 1880
Babies named Wilmer per year in U.S. Social Security records.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Boys |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 163 |
| 1890s | 218 |
| 1900s | 365 |
| 1910s | 2,434 |
| 1920s | 3,525 |
| 1930s | 2,073 |
| 1940s | 1,454 |
| 1950s | 912 |
| 1960s | 601 |
| 1970s | 365 |
| 1980s | 407 |
| 1990s | 636 |
| 2000s | 1,241 |
| 2010s | 997 |
| 2020s | 588 |
Meaning & origin
Wilmer is a traditional English name that has seen a long decline in usage. It was most popular in 1920, ranking in the top names at that time, but has since fallen out of common use. In 2025, it ranked 1728th with about 1 in 18,171 newborn boys receiving the name. The trajectory of its popularity has been falling since 2006. Geographically, Wilmer has been most common in Tennessee, Virginia, and North Carolina. The name carries a sturdy, old-fashioned character, appealing to parents seeking a rare but historically grounded name.
Wilmer is an English name derived from the Old English elements 'will' (will, desire) and 'mǣre' (famous). It was originally a surname before being adopted as a given name. The name has been used in the United States since at least the 19th century.
Where Wilmer is most popular
Births per 100,000 boys 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: Will, Wil
Variants: Willmer
Sibling names for Wilmer
Names that share Wilmer's style, for a brother or sister.
