"resolute fame, desired renown"
Origin: Old German
Language: German
Wilmer
Pronunciation: [ w-IHLM-er ]
Does Wilmer flow with your last name?
A resolute Germanic classic with quiet dignity
Swedish
Norwegian
German
American
Vintage
Classic
Traditional
Strong
Reviewed by the NamingEverything Editorial Team · Updated
Share
Similar Names
Names Like Wilmer
Same sound, same style — different options
Nicknames
Nicknames for Wilmer
2 shorthand options for every setting
Meaning & Origin
"will and fame"
Origin: Germanic
Language: English
Playground Safety
Kid-Friendly
Similar to Wilmer
See all →What the Wilmer report tells you
$9Personalized to your state, siblings, and priorities. Free playground safety preview included.
Is Wilmer the #1 name in your state, or barely on the radar?
Enter your other kids' names. We score how well they sound together.
Downloadable PDF + nursery art
Everything in one printable report. Frame the name art.
Start with a free preview
Playground safety check is free. Full report is $9.
What do you want to do with this name?
Keep Wilmer
Add it to your shortlist. Not losing this one.
Compare names
Put Wilmer head-to-head with your other picks.
Start comparing →
Nickname ideas
See what Wilmer actually gets called.
Browse nicknames →
What kind of baby name person are you?
3 minutes to find names that fit your style.
Take the Quiz
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.
Historical Record
Wilmer first appeared in US Social Security records in 1950.
Over 5,652 babies have been named Wilmer in the United States since SSA records began.
Today, Wilmer is past its peak , currently ranked #1,848 for boy names in the US .
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
Popularity Over Time
#1,848
Current Rank
Peaked 1952
Based on SSA data 1880–present
Year-by-year popularity data will be available soon.
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
Names You Might Also Love
See all →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
Middle Name Ideas
Suggested pairings based on syllable flow and style
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-1 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, smooth 2-2 syllable flow
-
Timeless choice, American heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
-
Timeless choice, German heritage match, extended 2-3 combo
Middle Names
Middle Names for Wilmer
6 name pairings with syllable flow tips
Sibling Names
Sibling Match
Premium
Check how Wilmer fits with existing sibling names — style, sound, and origin.
Enter sibling names above to see compatibility.
Also a Girl Name
Wilmer is also used as a girl name, ranked #38695.
View Wilmer as a girl name →Similar Names
See all names like Wilmer →For Parents
amz
Start a baby registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
The Baby Name Wizard
Names that age well — book
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Compare Wilmer with...
Same Origin Names (Swedish)
See all Swedish names →Names with Similar Meaning
Names that share meaning themes with Wilmer
Can't decide?
Start a tournament bracket with Wilmer and other names you're considering.
Start a TournamentLike this name?
Check how Wilmer sounds with your surname and test for potential nicknames.
Analyze This NameExplore More Generators
-
🧝
Fantasy Name Generator
Create names for D&D and RPG characters
-
🐾
Pet Name Generator
Find the perfect name for your furry friend
-
🎭
Character Name Generator
Names for fictional characters across genres
Names You Might Also Like
View all →
Navy
Boy
Latin origin
"fleet of ships"
#1,709 in US
Lucky
Boy
Middle Dutch via English origin
"one touched by good fortune"
#1,864 in US
Adley
Boy
Old English origin
"from the meadow"
#1,946 in US
Konrad
Boy
Germanic origin
"bold counsel, brave advisor"
#1,899 in US
Ayce
Boy
English phonetic origin
"champion, expert"
#1,954 in US
Kru
Boy
African origin
"member of the Kru seafaring people (W..."
#1,877 in US
Kashtyn
Boy
American English origin
"creative modern variant of Ashton/Cas..."
#1,870 in US
Artemis
Boy
Greek artemes origin
"safe, unharmed (proposed etymology)"
#1,648 in US
Save Your Name Card
Download a shareable image with Wilmer's meaning, origin, and popularity. Ready for Instagram, Pinterest, or texting to your partner.
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.
Keep Exploring
Old German Names
Browse all names with this origin
W
Names Starting with W
More boy names like Wilmer
Unique Names
Uncommon names with character
Name Personality Quiz
Find names that match your style
Name Swiper
Swipe through names, build a shortlist fast
Browse All Boy Names
Full list with filters and sorting
Recommended for Parents
amz
Start a registry
Free welcome box on Amazon
Baby Name Wizard
Names that actually age well
Nursery name sign
Personalized wooden letters
We may earn a commission from these links.
Sources
- U.S. Social Security Administration — National Baby Names Data (popularity rankings and historical trends)
- Behind the Name (etymology and meaning research)
- NamingEverything editorial research and analysis