Wilmer is a name of German origin, derived from the Germanic words "wil" meaning will or desire, and "hari" or "heri" which mean army or warlike. Thus, Wilmer can be interpreted to mean "strong in battle" or "having great courage." The name has been used historically among various Germanic-speaking peoples, including the Germans, Dutch, and English.
The earliest known usage of the name Wilmer is found in the Old English language, where it was recorded as "Wylmar" or "Wilmar". Over time, the spelling evolved to its current form, Wilmer. Despite its Germanic origins, Wilmer has not been particularly common in Germany. Instead, it has gained popularity in other countries, such as England and the United States.
Throughout history, there have been several notable figures with the name Wilmer. One of the earliest is Wilmer Gresham, an American politician who served as a U.S. Representative from Kentucky during the mid-19th century. In more recent times, Wilmer Valderrama is a Venezuelan-American actor and producer best known for his role on the television series "That '70s Show".
While not highly ranked in popularity charts, Wilmer remains an appealing name choice due to its strong historical roots and unique sound. Its meaning, suggesting courage and strength, may also appeal to parents seeking a name with positive connotations. Overall, Wilmer is a distinctive name with a rich heritage that continues to capture the interest of parents today.
The name Wilmer has been popular among parents in the United States over the past century, with fluctuations in its popularity from year to year. According to statistics from the Social Security Administration, there were nine births named Wilmer in 1900. The number of births increased slightly in subsequent years, reaching a peak of 34 births in 1919.
Throughout the 1920s and early 1930s, the popularity of the name Wilmer remained relatively stable, with an average of around 20 births per year. However, after 1935, the number of births named Wilmer began to decline steadily. By the mid-1940s, there were fewer than ten births named Wilmer each year.
The trend continued into the late 1940s and early 1950s, with a total of only seven births named Wilmer in 1951. After a brief resurgence in the mid-1950s, with five births each year from 1956 to 1957, the popularity of the name Wilmer declined once again.
In total, there have been 743 births named Wilmer in the United States since records began. While the name has not been particularly popular in recent decades, its historical significance is clear, with a peak in popularity around the early 20th century.