This name sounds really elderly and old-fashioned but that’s why I like it. This was my Grandpa’s name (born 1916) and he really embodies what was great about that generation. He had a lot of grit that got him through all the adversity in his life. Even in his 80s, he had all the strength and work ethic he always did.
Obviously I can’t get past an association with a farmer, but that doesn’t mean the name is bad. I picture an Elmer as a farmer who works round the clock to support his family, but not so much he loses his senses of love and humor.
So...this is my name and I didn't realize now what a bad impression it makes on people, I've always liked it because of how unique it was, especially for someone my age (I'm a teenager). Might just go by my middle name now :/
In 2018, 82 is the most common age for an American (U.S.) Elmer who is registered male with the Social Security Administration. It is the 810th most common male first name for living U.S. citizens.
― Anonymous User 10/5/2018
2
My father has had the name Elmer for 88 years and I have had the name for over 65 years. Elmer is not a common name but make no mistake, it is not a sissies name. I liken it to the song The Boy Named SUE by Johnny Cash. It's not what you are called but what you are made of. If you have no honor, it is not an honourable name. If you are a prick, then the name will represent a prick. I would like to think I bring honor and strength to the old fashioned name of Elmer.
Elmer is a main character of "Spoon River Anthology" by Edgar Lee Masters published in 1915. In the poem "The Hill" he is the first dead person cited:"Where are Elmer, Herman, Bert, Tom and Charley, The weak of will, the strong of arm, the clown, the boozer, the fighter? All, all are sleeping on the hill. One passed in a fever," (...)
I only not dislike this name because it was my grandfather's real name. He made everyone call him Bob though. Other than that I would think it's totally dorky and old fashioned.
I dislike this name somewhat. Whenever I mention this name I always think of that Elmer Fudd who, I reckon, was a rather dislikeable character over the years since his creation and that of his arch-enemy Bugs Bunny.
This is a really nice name with a great meaning, in my opinion, and would be highly usable if it wasn't for Elmer Fudd and Elmer the Patchwork Elephant!
― Anonymous User 7/2/2007
3
It makes me think first of Elmer's Glue, unfortunately. The meaning is really nice though, but I keep picturing the glue-bottle in my head when I hear the name.
I like this name, even though to many people it gives the connotation of a farmer in overalls, chewing on hay. I think it has a nice sound and a good meaning, and people should get past the idea that it is a "hick" name.