Palmer
Palmer is a unisex name of English origin meaning “pilgrim, palm bearer.” It ranked #232 in the United States in 2025.
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how do you pronounce Palmer?
PAH-mer
where does the name Palmer come from?
A transferred surname meaning palm bearer: a Christian pilgrim returning from the Holy Land, where pilgrims traditionally carried palm fronds.
Palmer was a medieval English surname for someone who had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and returned carrying a palm branch as proof. The name evokes travel, devotion, and adventure. Arnold Palmer's golf legacy and the literary allure of Twin Peaks' Laura Palmer give it diverse cultural texture.
how popular is this name?
Palmer has appeared in the US top 1,000 in 8 years since 2018. It peaked at #232 in 2025.
See the milestone years
| Year | Rank |
|---|---|
| 2025 | #232 |
| 2024 | #258 |
| 2023 | #277 |
| 2022 | #295 |
| 2021 | #330 |
| 2020 | #348 |
| 2019 | #461 |
| 2018 | #675 |
Source: SSA National Baby Names Dataset (through 2025). Years absent from the table are years Palmer fell outside the top 1,000.
who are famous people named Palmer?
- Arnold Palmer (legendary American golfer)
- Laura Palmer (iconic character from David Lynch's Twin Peaks)
what names are similar to Palmer?
what names go well with Palmer?
Sibling names that share Palmer's rhythm and register without echoing it too closely.
quick answers about Palmer
What does the name Palmer mean?
Palmer means “pilgrim, palm bearer”.
What is the origin of the name Palmer?
Palmer comes from the English naming tradition.
How popular is the name Palmer?
Palmer ranked #232 in the US in 2025, according to Social Security data.
Is Palmer a boy or girl name?
Palmer is a unisex name, used for both boys and girls.
How do you pronounce Palmer?
Palmer is pronounced PAH-mer, with 2 syllables.
Last updated · Curated by HushName editorial
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