Rumer

♀ Girl

Pronounced ROO-mur /ˈru.mər/High

Meaning: Rumer is an English surname turned first name, sometimes explained as a Romani-related word for a traveller, sometimes as a form of 'rhymer.' The word 'rumour' is often read into it. Routes uncertain, which we note.Low

In 30 seconds: Literary and airy: Rumer is an English surname name best known from the novelist Rumer Godden (said 'ROO-mur'). Routes are uncertain, which we note.

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Origin LowEnglish

MeaningRumer is an English surname turned first name, sometimes explained as a Romani-related word for a traveller, sometimes as a form of 'rhymer.' The word 'rumour' is often read into it. Routes uncertain, which we note.

U.S. rank (2024)#13163 ↘ Falling

2024 U.S. births7 girls (0.00% of U.S. girls)

Peak year1997

Total births (all-time)≈ 69

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

Rumer is an English surname taken up as a first name. Its meaning is debated: some link it to a Romani-related word for a traveller, others to 'rhymer,' and many simply hear the word 'rumour' in it. The routes are uncertain, which we note. The novelist Rumer Godden (1907-1998), author of Black Narcissus, made it a literary name; Rumer Willis carried it into celebrity pages (said 'ROO-mur').

It remains rare for girls in the U.S. Rare, literary, and cool-toned.

Did you know? Rumer Godden borrowed the name for herself as a young writer — and decades later Demi Moore and Bruce Willis named their eldest daughter Rumer after her, giving the name a second wind.

Overall data confidence 42%

References — Rumer — English surname; Rumer Godden, Rumer Willis; meaning disputed

Variations

RumorRoomerRumour

Nicknames

RooRueRum

Famous Bearers

Famous bearers coming soon.

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By themeuncertain modern surname-style literary

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Rumer mean?

Rumer is an English surname name, variously linked to a word for a traveller or to 'rhymer.' Routes uncertain, which we note.

How do you pronounce Rumer?

It's said ROO-mur /ˈru.mər/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Rumer a boy or girl name?

Rumer is used mainly as a girl's name.

How popular is Rumer?

Rumer is rare for girls in the U.S.