What does Gilmer mean and where does it come from?
Gilmer has Scottish roots, deriving from Gaelic elements meaning 'servant' (Gille) and 'Mary' (mhoire). It has been used in the U.S. and gained some recognition due to notable figures such as Gilmer McCormick, an American actress, and Van Gilmer, a musician. The name embodies a historical context as
Cultural significance
Gilmer has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Scotland-speaking communities, where it reflects values of a form of the name gillemor, meaning 'servant of mary'..
Peak popularity
Reached #996 in 1907 — currently #10238 in the US.
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Related Reading
Scotland-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →How else can you spell Gilmer?
Same sound, different look — useful if you want something slightly more distinctive
What middle names flow best with Gilmer?
Gilmer works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Gilmer Jack
One syllable · timeless choice
Gilmer John
One syllable · timeless choice
Gilmer Luke
One syllable · timeless choice
Gilmer Miles
One syllable · vintage charm
Gilmer Beau
One syllable · on the rise
Gilmer Brooks
One syllable · timeless choice
How popular is Gilmer right now?
Falling — down 2336 spots — currently #10238 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2024 | #10238 | 7 | ▼ down 2336 · -30% births |
| 2023 | #7902 | 10 | ▲ up 5093 · +100% births |
| 2022 | #12995 | 5 | ▼ down 3877 · -37% births |
| 2021 | #9118 | 8 | ▲ up 1583 · +33% births |
| 2015 | #10701 | 6 | ▼ down 948 · -14% births |
| 2010 | #9753 | 7 | ▲ up 473 · +17% births |
| 2005 | #10226 | 6 | ▼ down 3847 · +20% births |
| 1980 | #6379 | 5 | ▼ down 2043 · -17% births |
| 1970 | #4336 | 6 | ▼ down 1492 · -33% births |
| 1965 | #2844 | 9 | ▲ up 579 · +29% births |
| 1960 | #3423 | 7 | ▼ down 926 · -36% births |
| 1955 | #2497 | 11 | ▲ up 6 · +10% births |
| 1950 | #2503 | 10 | ▼ down 888 · -44% births |
| 1945 | #1615 | 18 | ▲ up 525 · +50% births |
| 1940 | #2140 | 12 | — |
The story of Gilmer
Gilmer entered American naming records in 1907 and has been in use for over 117 years. With 1,157 total births recorded, Gilmer remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #1187 in 1910, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #7902 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Gilmer in 1907:
Gilmer by decade
Gilmer peaked in the 1900s. See all 1900s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 15 | |
| 1910s | 229 | |
| 1920s ★ | 291 | |
| 1930s | 195 | |
| 1940s | 187 | |
| 1950s | 117 | |
| 1960s | 43 | |
| 1970s | 11 | |
| 1980s | 5 | |
| 2000s | 21 | |
| 2010s | 43 | |
| 2020s | 7 | |
💎With 1,157 total births, Gilmer is an uncommon but established name.
What are good nicknames for Gilmer?
What names sound and feel like Gilmer?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Gilmer also consider these
Common questions about the name Gilmer
What does the name Gilmer mean?
Gilmer means "A form of the name Gillemor, meaning 'servant of Mary'." — a name rooted in Scotland tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.
How popular is the name Gilmer?
Gilmer is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is rapidly gaining popularity — searches for Gilmer have increased significantly in recent years.
What is the cultural origin of Gilmer?
Gilmer originates from Scotland tradition. Scotland names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.
How do you pronounce the name Gilmer?
Gilmer is a two-syllable name pronounced GILM-er. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Gilmer trending right now?
Gilmer is currently on the rise — it has gained significant momentum in recent years as parents discover its appeal.