How to say it
PAL · mer
ˈpɑm.ɚ
Unisex
Palmer
Pilgrim
What it means
Medieval English occupational surname for someone who had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and brought back palm branches as proof (Latin palmarius). Arnold Palmer the golfer and Palmer Lucky the Oculus VR founder are the modern English-language anchors.
Palmer is a medieval English occupational surname from the Latin palmarius, meaning a pilgrim who had made the journey to the Holy Land and brought back palm branches as proof of completion. Palmers were a distinct class within medieval Christianity, sworn to perpetual wandering, often distinguished from other pilgrims by the palm fronds they carried. Arnold Palmer the American golfer (1929-2016, seven major championships, popularized the drink that bears his name) is the dominant 20th-century English-language anchor. Palmer Luckey the founder of Oculus VR is the contemporary tech reference. As a first name Palmer is American and modern: rare before 2000, climbing since. It entered the US top 500 in 2018 and is now firmly unisex. Common short: Pal.
How to spell Palmer
The standard spelling is Palmer. Common variants include Palmar, but Palmer is the most widely used form.
Popularity over time
Feminine: peaked at #232 in 2025, currently #232 in 2025.
Masculine: peaked at #386 in 1908, currently #995 in 2025.
Source: U.S. Social Security Administration, names given to at least 5 babies in a year, 1880–2025. Reviewed July 2026. See where the names are moving
Heads-up notes
- Pop culture
The Arnold Palmer drink (half iced tea, half lemonade) is a small unconscious anchor for parents who recognize the name from country-club culture.
Who's worn it
Historical figures, characters, and public faces who share the name. The cultural surface, for whatever weight you want to give it.
- Arnold Palmer American golfer, seven major championships, 1929-2016
Spelling variants
- Palmar
Names with the same feeling
See Palmer from another angle
By style
Common questions
- What does the name Palmer mean?
- Medieval English occupational surname for someone who had made a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and brought back palm branches as proof (Latin palmarius). Arnold Palmer the golfer and Palmer Lucky the Oculus VR founder are the modern English-language anchors.
- What does Palmer mean in English?
- In English, Palmer means "Pilgrim." Palmer is a medieval English occupational surname from the Latin palmarius, meaning a pilgrim who had made the journey to the Holy Land and brought back palm branches as proof of completion. Palmers were a distinct class within medieval Christianity, sworn to perpetual wandering, often distinguished from other pilgrims by the palm fronds they carried. Arnold Palmer the American golfer (1929-2016, seven major championships, popularized the drink that bears his name) is the dominant 20th-century English-language anchor. Palmer Luckey the founder of Oculus VR is the contemporary tech reference. As a first name Palmer is American and modern: rare before 2000, climbing since. It entered the US top 500 in 2018 and is now firmly unisex. Common short: Pal.
- How do you pronounce Palmer?
- Palmer is pronounced ˈpɑm.ɚ. Say it as PAL-mer, with the stress on the "pal" syllable.
- How do you spell Palmer?
- The standard spelling is Palmer. Common spelling variants include Palmar.
- Is Palmer a boy or girl name?
- Palmer is used for both boys and girls.
- How popular is the name Palmer?
- Palmer ranked #232 in the U.S. in 2025, according to Social Security Administration data.