"resolute fame, desired renown"
Wilmer
Pronunciation: [ w-IHLM-er ]
A resolute Germanic classic with quiet dignity
Meaning & Origin
"will and fame"
The Story of Wilmer
Wilmer derives from the Old German name 'Willimar,' composed of 'wil' (will, desire) and 'mari/mer' (famous, renowned), meaning 'resolute and famous.' The name has Scandinavian and German roots and was carried to the United States by Germanic immigrants in the 19th century.
Wilmer was most popular in the United States during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Venezuelan-American actor Wilmer Valderrama brought the name renewed visibility in the 2000s.
In Scandinavian countries, Wilmer remains in occasional use as a traditional masculine name. In the US, it carries the nostalgic warmth of early 20th-century immigrant naming.
Fun Facts
- Wilmer was a top-500 name in the US from 1880 through the 1930s
- Wilmer Valderrama, star of That '70s Show, is one of the name's most recognized modern bearers
Wilmer in Other Languages
Famous People Named Wilmer
Wilmer Valderrama
Actor
1980
Venezuelan-American actor known for playing Fez on That '70s Show and appearing in NCIS
Wilmer McLean
Other
1814
American businessman present at both the first and last major battles of the American Civil War
Quick Facts
- Gender
- Boy
- Syllables
- 2
- Popularity Rank
- #1,848
- Total SSA Count
- 88
- Cultural Origins
- Swedish Norwegian German American
- Pronunciation
- Easy
- Formality
- Moderate
- Cross-Cultural Ease
- Moderate
Common Nicknames
Pairs Well With
Sibling Names
Also a Girl Name
Wilmer is also used as a girl name, ranked #38695.
View Wilmer as a girl name →Similar Names
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Frequently Asked Questions About Wilmer
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About the Name Wilmer
Wilmer is a boy name with Swedish, Norwegian, German, and American origins . The name means "resolute fame, desired renown" in Old German .
Is Wilmer a boy or girl name? Wilmer is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it ranks #1,848 in popularity. As a girl name, it ranks #38,695. Wilmer is more commonly used as a boy name.
Wilmer is currently ranked #1,848 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
The name Wilmer has 2 syllables and is pronounced w-IHLM-er, making it easy to pronounce and remember.
Common nicknames for Wilmer include Will and Wil. These shorter forms provide casual alternatives while keeping the elegance of the full name.