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Wilmer

Pronunciation: [ w-IHLM-er ]

Boy Name #1,848 Most Popular Hidden Gem 2 Syllables

A resolute Germanic classic with quiet dignity

Swedish Norwegian German American
Vintage Classic Traditional Strong

Meaning & Origin

"resolute fame, desired renown"
Origin: Old German
Language: German
"will and fame"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English

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

German Willimar
English Wilmer
Swedish Vilmer
Norwegian Vilmer

Famous People Named Wilmer

W

Wilmer Valderrama

Actor

1980

Venezuelan-American actor known for playing Fez on That '70s Show and appearing in NCIS

W

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

Will Wil

Pairs Well With

Wilmer James Wilmer Lee Wilmer Ray Wilmer Arthur Wilmer Eugene Wilmer Dale

Sibling Names

Also a Girl Name

Wilmer is also used as a girl name, ranked #38695.

View Wilmer as a girl name →

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Frequently Asked Questions About Wilmer

What does the name Wilmer mean?
"resolute fame, desired renown" (from Old German). "will and fame" (from Germanic). 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.
What is the origin of the name Wilmer?
Wilmer has Old German, Germanic, Swedish, Norwegian, German, and American origins. In Old German, it means "resolute fame, desired renown". In Germanic, it means "will and fame".
Is Wilmer a boy or girl name?
Wilmer is used as both a boy and girl name. As a boy name, it is ranked #1848. As a girl name, it is ranked #38695. Wilmer is more commonly used as a boy name.
How do you pronounce Wilmer?
Wilmer is pronounced w-IHLM-er.
How popular is the name Wilmer?
Wilmer is currently ranked #1848 in popularity for boy names in the United States.
What are common nicknames for Wilmer?
Common nicknames for Wilmer include Will and Wil.
What are good middle names for Wilmer?
Popular middle name pairings include Wilmer James, Wilmer Lee, Wilmer Ray, Wilmer Arthur, Wilmer Eugene, and Wilmer Dale.
What are good sibling names for Wilmer?
Names that pair well with Wilmer as siblings include Elmer, Millie, Clarence, Mabel, Eugene, and Harriet.
How many syllables does Wilmer have?
Wilmer has 2 syllables, making it easy to say and remember.
Is Wilmer a common or rare name?
Wilmer is an uncommon name, ranked #1848 in the US. Its rarity gives it a distinctive, memorable quality.

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.

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