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Palmer

♂ Boy

Pronounced PAL-mer /ˈpɑːl.mər/High

Meaning: Palm bearer; pilgrim who carried a palm frond from the Holy Land; from Old French palmier (palm bearer), from Latin palma (palm tree)High

In 30 seconds: An English occupational name meaning 'palm bearer' — a medieval pilgrim who carried a palm frond to prove they had visited the Holy Land. Associated with golfer Arnold Palmer, it has a polished, patrician feel.

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Origin HighEnglish, Latin

MeaningPalm bearer; pilgrim who carried a palm frond from the Holy Land; from Old French palmier (palm bearer), from Latin palma (palm tree)

U.S. rank (2025)#995 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births230 boys (0.01% of U.S. boys)

Peak year2023

Total births (all-time)≈ 9,265

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

Palmer is an English occupational surname from Old French palmier (one who carried palms), referring to Christian pilgrims who carried palm fronds from Jerusalem as proof of their pilgrimage. The surname was widespread in medieval England.

Palmer entered U.S. boys' charts as a surname name. It ranked #1076 for boys in 2024.

Did you know? Arnold Palmer (1929–2016) is credited with popularizing golf as a mainstream American sport through his charismatic personality and TV-era victories. The non-alcoholic drink named for him (half iced tea, half lemonade) is one of the most enduring celebrity food associations in American culture.

Overall data confidence 93%

Behind the Name — Palmer — Old French/Latin etymologyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

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Nicknames

Pal

Famous Bearers

★Palmer Luckey (1992-)
American entrepreneur who founded Oculus VR and Anduril

If you like Palmer…

Archer— occupational surname name in the same medieval-craft tradition

Fletcher— occupational surname name (arrow maker) with the same English pilgrimage-era feel

Sawyer— occupational surname name with the same literary-American quality

Hunter— occupational surname name with the same confident two-syllable feel

Porter— occupational -er surname name in the same medieval service tradition

Explore names like Palmer

By themeenglish latin two-syllable surname-style occupational

By meaningGod / Divine

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Palmer mean?

Palmer means 'palm bearer,' a medieval occupational name for pilgrims who carried palm fronds from the Holy Land as proof of their journey.

How do you pronounce Palmer?

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

Is Palmer a boy or girl name?

Palmer is used primarily as a boys' name.

How popular is Palmer?

Palmer ranked #1076 for U.S. boys in 2024.