Wilmore is a unique and distinctive male given name of American origin. The name is derived from the English surname 'Wilmore', which itself has Norman French origins. It was brought to England by the Normans who settled there after the Norman Conquest in 1066.
The surname Wilmore is believed to have been derived from the Old French word 'Wilmot', which is a diminutive of the Germanic personal name 'William'. The '-ot' suffix indicates 'little'. Therefore, Wilmore can be interpreted as meaning 'little William'.
Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals named Wilmore. One example is Wilmore Ketchum, an American journalist and author who was born in 1879 and died in 1962. Another notable Wilmore is the American basketball player Wilmore 'Wil'bur Jones Jr., who played professionally from 1952 to 1960.
While Wilmore may not be as commonly used a name today as it was in the past, it remains a unique and memorable choice for parents looking for an distinctive name for their child. Its American origin and historical significance make it a appealing option for those interested in names with a rich history behind them.
The name Wilmore has a unique pattern of usage in the United States, with its popularity fluctuating over time. Between 1918 and 1945, there were a total of 80 births registered for this name. The highest number of births occurred in 1920 and 1923, each year seeing 10 newborns named Wilmore. Interestingly, the name's popularity seemed to peak during the early 1920s before declining steadily throughout the following decades. Despite its decreasing usage over time, Wilmore remains a distinctive and historically significant name in the United States.