Elmer
BoyOld English
Elmer is a boy name of Old English origin meaning "Noble famous".
About this name
Gender
Boy
Language
Old English
Popularity
16 / 100
Syllables
2
Length
5 letters
Meaning
Noble famous
Etymology
Elmer is a name of Germanic British origin. The given name originated as a surname, a medieval variant of the given name Aylmer, derived from Old English æþel (noble) and mær (famous). It was adopted as a given name in the United States, "in honor of the popularity of the brothers Ebenezer and Jonathan Elmer, leading supporters of the American Revolution".
Famous People Named Elmer
- Elmer Rice — American playwright (1892–1967)
- Elmer Drew Merrill — U.S. botanist (1876–1956)
- Elmer McCollum — American biochemist (1879-1967)
- Elmer Booth — American actor (1882-1915)
Frequently Asked Questions About Elmer
What does the name Elmer mean?
Elmer means "Noble famous", and is of Old English origin.
What is the origin of the name Elmer?
Elmer originates from Old English.
Is Elmer a boy or girl name?
Elmer is typically used as a boy name.
Are there famous people named Elmer?
Yes — notable people named Elmer include Elmer Rice (American playwright, 1892–1967), Elmer Drew Merrill (U.S. botanist, 1876–1956), Elmer McCollum (American biochemist, 1879-1967) and Elmer Booth (American actor, 1882-1915).
Last updated: June 2026