Elmer is a masculine given name of Germanic British origin. It originated as a surname, a medieval variant of the given name Aylmer, which derives from the Old English elements æðele meaning "noble" and mære meaning "famous". Thus, the name carries the combined meaning of "noble and famous." The Old English form Æðelmær was borne by the 11th-century English monk Æðelmær of Malmesbury, who famously attempted to fly with a gliding apparatus, breaking his legs in the process. Historical Use in America In the United States, the name Elmer was adopted as a given name in honor of the Elmer brothers, Jonathan (1745–1817) and Ebenezer (1752–1843), who were active figures in early American politics and supporters of the American Revolution. This patriotic adoption helped popularize the name in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Its popularity peaked before slipping out of the top 1,000 names for American boys after 2009. However, it remains in modest use: in 2022, 167 newborn boys in the United States received the name. Cognates and Variants The variant Elmar is widespread in Europe, including in Iceland where it ranked among the top 10 names for newborn boys in 2021. Other cognates include Scandinavian Almar and the Old English Aylmer. Notable Bearers The historical bearer Eilmer of Malmesbury (also known as Elmer) is famous for his early attempt at flight. In modern times, there have been several notable bearers, such as Elmer Bernstein (1922–2004), a renowned American composer, and Elmer Fudd, the iconic cartoon hunter from Warner Bros. Looney Tunes, who helped cement the name in popular culture. Meaning: Noble and famousOrigin: Old English (Æðelmær)Type: Given name (originally surname)Usage regions: United States, Canada, Iceland (as Elmar)