← Baby Names

✦ NAME PROFILE ✦

Palmer

/ PAHL-mer /

unisex

Meaning

Pilgrim; palm bearer

Origin

English

Palmer is an English surname referring to a pilgrim who had returned from the Holy Land carrying a palm branch as a token of their journey. In the Middle Ages, it was a common occupational surname. It transitioned into a given name in the 19th century and has seen a massive resurgence for girls in the 2020s, fitting the trend for sophisticated, preppy surnames.

Personality Distribution

MBTI Profile

Approximate distribution among people named Palmer.

NT AnalystsNF DiplomatsSJ SentinelsSP Explorers
ISFJ
13.5%
ESFJ
11.2%
INFJ
10.4%
ISTJ
9.1%
ENFJ
8.75%
ENFP
7.6%
ISFP
6.8%
INFP
6.1%
ESTJ
5.4%
ESTP
4.9%
INTJ
4.8%
ESFP
3.9%
ENTJ
3.15%
ISTP
2.5%
ENTP
1.7%
INTP
1.2%

Cultural Context

Cultural Notes

Palmer is perceived as 'refined' and 'coastal'. It carries an air of old-money elegance and travel history. While traditionally masculine, it is now a breakout hit for girls, often associated with a sunny, capable, and polished personality.

Notable People

Famous Bearers

P

Palmer Luckey

American entrepreneur and founder of Oculus VR (b. 1992)

P

Palmer Williams Jr.

American stage and television actor (b. 1965)

A

Arnold Palmer

Legendary American professional golfer (1929–2016)