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.
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.
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
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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
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.
