Palmer Name Origin, Meaning and Family History

Palmer Name Meaning: The surname Palmer is taken from the word palme, meaning "palm tree".

Someone who had been to the Holy Land on a pilgrimage was often nicknamed Palmer of Parmer, as they would bring back a palm leaf as proof of their journey.

Discover how your Palmer ancestors earned their living and spread across the country. Find out more about your family history by using the Free Search box.

Surname Distribution

Census frequency by county

Name Concentrations Within England and Wales

Palmer Surname Statistics


Top Professions for the Palmer family

Profession Census Frequency
Agricultural Labourer 1,137
Female Servant 808
Independent 654
Labourer 353
Male Servant 331
Farmer 315
Shoe Maker 179
Ag Labourer 140
Carpenter 116
Tailor 108
Dress Maker 71
Butcher 67
Baker 65
Pauper 62
Clerk 49
Grocer 49
Apprentice 48
Laundress 48
Frame Work Knitter 47
Blacksmith 46
Gardener 46
Pupil 45
Mason 42
Coal Miner 40
Servant 39

Palmer Surname Variants Ranking

Rank Surname Match Census Frequency
1 Palmer 100% 258,595
2 Plumer 67% 2,496
3 Palmore 71% 1,285
4 Plamer 67% 797
5 Pilmer 83% 783
6 Polmer 83% 581
7 Plomer 67% 541
8 Palmar 83% 476
9 Plimer 67% 456
10 Pulmer 83% 428
11 Polmear 71% 405
12 Palmor 83% 367
13 Pilmore 57% 349
14 Pelmear 71% 336
15 Pilmoor 57% 333
16 Palmour 71% 129
17 Pelmer 83% 107
18 Pomer 67% 102

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The surname Palmer is the most popular version of all its varients

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