Gomer is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "gamar," which means "to complete" or "to finish." It is believed to have been brought to the English-speaking world by early settlers from the British Isles who were influenced by Jewish culture and traditions.
The name Gomer first appears in the Bible as one of Jacob's wives. According to the Book of Genesis, Gomer was a daughter of a man named Diblaim, whom she married after being promised to another man named Shethar. However, it is unclear whether this biblical figure is related to the Hebrew meaning of the name.
In literature, the name Gomer is perhaps best known as the title character in "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," a popular television series that aired from 1964 to 1969. The show followed the misadventures of a naive but well-meaning Marine named Gomer Pyle, played by Jim Nabors.
Overall, Gomer is a name with an interesting historical and cultural background, but one that has not gained widespread popularity as a given name. It is more commonly found as a surname in various parts of the world, particularly in England, Ireland, and Wales. Nonetheless, it remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking to give their child a name with a rich history and meaning.
Based on the statistics provided, the name Gomer has had a fluctuating popularity over the years in the United States. The peak of its popularity was between 1917 and 1919, with 21 births recorded in 1919. However, it's important to note that this is not an exceptional number when compared to other names from that era.
Interestingly, there were periods where the name Gomer was quite popular, such as in the years 1917 and 1934 with 18 births each. But these periods of popularity were short-lived, as the number of births decreased significantly afterwards.
It's also notable that there are some gaps in the data provided, particularly from 1943 to 1956, which might indicate a decline in the use of the name Gomer during those years. The name appears again in the late 1950s and early 1960s with a small number of births each year.
In total, there were 399 recorded births for the name Gomer in the United States from 1911 to 1968. While this might seem like a significant number, it's essential to consider that these statistics span over five decades and cover a period when the U.S. population was much smaller than it is today.
In conclusion, while the name Gomer has had some periods of popularity in the United States, its overall usage has been relatively limited compared to other names during the same time frame. It's also important to remember that these statistics only reflect a specific era and may not be indicative of current or future trends in naming practices.