Mortimer

“dead sea”

English origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#13519US 2023

5Births / yr

↓Falling

1.9kAll-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Mortimer

MAW·rtim·er

/ˈmɔ.rtɪm.ɝ/ · stress on MAW · 3 syllables

“dead sea”

English origin · Boy name

What does Mortimer mean and where does it come from?

Mortimer is derived from Middle English 'mortemere' and Old French 'mort', meaning 'dead' and 'mere,' meaning 'sea' or 'lake.' The name has noble ties, often linked to the Mortimer family from England, notable in the medieval period. It carries a historical weight and was borne by several significan

Cultural significance

Mortimer has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in English-speaking communities, where it reflects values of dead sea.

Peak popularity

Reached #482 in 1882 — currently #13519 in the US.

🌿

What middle names flow best with Mortimer?

Mortimer works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Mortimer Grace

How popular is Mortimer right now?

Falling — down 1828 spots — currently #13519 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2023#13519 · Top 10.0%

1910

1915

1920

1925

1930

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2015

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2021

2023

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2023	#13519	5	▼ down 1828 · -17% births
2021	#11691	6	▼ down 3030 · -25% births
2020	#8661	8	▲ up 3419 · +60% births
2015	#12080	5	▼ down 8226 · -29% births
1970	#3854	7	▼ down 302 · +17% births
1965	#3552	6	▼ down 1336 · -50% births
1950	#2216	12	▲ up 1151 · +140% births
1945	#3367	5	▼ down 1275 · -58% births
1940	#2092	12	▲ up 44
1935	#2136	12	▼ down 962 · -67% births
1930	#1174	36	▼ down 291 · -38% births
1925	#883	58	▼ down 80 · -17% births
1920	#803	70	▼ down 134 · -8% births
1915	#669	76	▲ up 326 · +591% births
1910	#995	11	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Mortimer

Best Year1915Rank #669

Peak Count76

Average Rank#4093

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1900 - 202317 years

The story of Mortimer

Mortimer has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 1,932 total births recorded, Mortimer remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #552 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #13519 in 2023.

Names that peaked alongside Mortimer in 1882:

John William James George Charles

Mortimer by decade

Mortimer peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	99
1890s	93
1900s	97
1910s ★	645
1920s	603
1930s	187
1940s	75
1950s	59
1960s	39
1970s	17
2010s	10
2020s	8

💎With 1,932 total births, Mortimer is an uncommon but established name.

What are good nicknames for Mortimer?

ENGLISH

MortMorty

What names sound and feel like Mortimer?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Mortimer also consider these

Lorimer

Scottish · maker of horse

Moreland

English · marshland, boggy land

Modaser

English · A meaningful name

Mordechi

English · A meaningful name

Fortier

International · A International name

English · A variant of

Common questions about the name Mortimer

What does the name Mortimer mean?

Mortimer means "dead sea" — a name rooted in English 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 Mortimer?

Mortimer is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Mortimer?

Mortimer originates from English tradition. English 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 Mortimer?

Mortimer is a three-syllable name pronounced M AO1 R T IH0 M ER0. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Mortimer?

Mortimer pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar English heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.