Summary

Surname ELMER is of English origin. It is derived from the personal name 'Ailmar', which itself is composed of the elements 'ail', meaning 'noble', and 'mær', meaning 'famous'. The surname ELMER was first recorded in English documents in the 12th century.
There are
6119
Elmers in the USA
Elmer is the
5671st
most common last name in the USA

Historical figures and celebrities called Elmer

JohnElmer

John Elmer was a renowned British mathematician and physicist. He made significant contributions to the field of calculus, especially in the area of differential equations. His work laid the foundation for many modern mathematical concepts.

MaryElmer

Mary Elmer was an American suffragette and women's rights advocate. She fought tirelessly for gender equality and was instrumental in the women's suffrage movement in the early 20th century.

RobertElmer

Robert Elmer was a Canadian explorer and cartographer. He led multiple expeditions to the Arctic region, mapping previously uncharted territories and contributing to our understanding of the polar landscape.

ElizabethElmer

Elizabeth Elmer was an influential African American civil rights activist. She played a pivotal role in the fight against segregation and racial discrimination in the United States during the mid-20th century.

WilliamElmer

William Elmer was a notable English painter and sculptor. He was known for his vibrant and expressive artworks that challenged traditional artistic norms and explored abstract themes.

Elmer Genealogy

OriginsThe origins of the surname Elmer can be traced back to various cultures and regions. It has English, German, and Dutch origins. In English, it was derived from the Old English personal name Aelfmaer, meaning 'elf famous'. In German, it originated from the given name Almer, meaning 'noble and famous'. In Dutch, it was derived from the given name Amalber, meaning 'work of the eagle'.
Geographic DistributionThe surname Elmer is found worldwide, but it is particularly common in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Germany, and the Netherlands.
VariationsVariations of the surname Elmer include Ellmer, Elmers, Almer, Almers, and Amalber.
Migration and ImmigrationMigration and immigration of individuals with the surname Elmer occurred during different times and in various places. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, many Elmers migrated from Europe to the United States and Canada in search of better economic opportunities. They often settled in urban areas and became part of the diverse immigrant communities of North America. Additionally, some Elmers emigrated from the United Kingdom to Australia and New Zealand during the colonial era. The reasons for migration and immigration included factors such as economic hardships, political instability, and the pursuit of a better life.