Elmer

♂ Boy

Pronounced EL-mer /ˈɛl.mər/High

Meaning: Noble and famous; from Old English Aethelmaer (aethel: noble + maer: famous)High

In 30 seconds: An Old English name meaning 'noble and famous,' from aethel (noble) and maer (famous). A top-30 U.S. name in the early 20th century, Elmer is now firmly vintage — associated with Elmer Fudd and Nobel laureate Elmer Lauer.

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Origin HighGermanic, English

MeaningNoble and famous; from Old English Aethelmaer (aethel: noble + maer: famous)

U.S. rank (2025)#1223 ↘ Falling

2025 U.S. births165 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year1918

Total births (all-time)≈ 129,581

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Elmer is an Old English name from Aethelmaer, from aethel (noble) and maer (famous, renowned). It was a common medieval English name that declined and was revived in 19th-century America, where it peaked in the early 20th century.

Elmer was a top-30 U.S. name in the 1880s–1920s and has declined sharply. It ranked #1166 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Elmer Fudd — Bugs Bunny's hapless hunter — has made Elmer synonymous with a lovable, slightly bumbling quality in American popular culture. His speech impediment ('wabbit season!') and persistent failure turned Elmer into an affectionate cultural archetype.

Overall data confidence 89%

Behind the Name — Elmer — Old English etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

Aethelmaer

Nicknames

Famous Bearers

★Elmer Fudd (fictional)
The hapless hunter and longtime adversary of Bugs Bunny in Warner Bros. Looney Tunes cartoons. His 'wabbit' speech and persistent failures made him a classic comedic character.

If you like Elmer…

Edgar— Old English El- name with the same vintage character

Ernest— vintage Old English/Germanic name from the same era

Eldon— Old English El- name with the same quiet vintage quality

Ever— a fellow English choice

Elder— lands in the same popularity range

Explore names like Elmer

By themetwo-syllable vintage germanic old-english

By meaningRoyal / Noble

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Elmer mean?

Elmer means 'noble and famous,' from Old English Aethelmaer (aethel: noble + maer: famous).

How do you pronounce Elmer?

It's said EL-mer — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Elmer a boy or girl name?

Elmer is used as a boys' name.

How popular is Elmer?

Elmer ranked #1166 for U.S. boys in 2024.