GILMER
Gilmer
Gilmer is a Scottish and Northern Irish surname of patronymic origin, derived from the given name 'William'. The name is believed to have originated from the Old Germanic name 'Willahelm', meaning 'resolute protector'.
Origin
The Gilmer surname is thought to have originated in the medieval period in Scotland and Northern Ireland, where it was commonly used as a hereditary surname passed from father to son.
Distribution
The surname Gilmer can be found in various parts of the United Kingdom, with concentrations in Scotland and Northern Ireland. Over time, some bearers of the surname migrated to other English-speaking countries, such as the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
Notable Bearers
Notable individuals bearing the surname Gilmer include:
- Thomas W. Gilmer (1802–1844) - an American politician who served as the 15th Secretary of the Navy.
- Jeremy Gilmer (1818–1883) - a Confederate army officer during the American Civil War.
- William Gilmer - (dates unknown) - a Scottish footballer who played in the late 19th century.
Legacy
The Gilmer surname continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining a connection to the rich history and heritage of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Today, individuals bearing the surname Gilmer can be found in various professions and walks of life, contributing to the diverse tapestry of British and global society.
References
- Hanks, P., Coates, R., & McClure, P. (2016). The Oxford Dictionary of Family Names in Britain and Ireland. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
There are approximately 151 people named Gilmer in the UK. That makes it one of Britain's least common surnames. Only around two in a million people in Britain are named Gilmer.
Origin: English
Region of origin: British Isles
Country of origin: England
Religion of origin: Christian
Language of origin: English
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- David
- Gerard
- Ian
- James
- Jeremy
- John
- Kevin
- Les
- Michael
- Scott
- Sean
- Shane
- William
Female
- Charlotte
- Emma
- Helen
- Holly
- Jennifer
- Judy
- Laura
- Ma
- Margaret
- Mary
- Michelle
- Rosalynn
- Susan
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.