Is Wilmer a boy's or girl's name?

Wilmer is primarily a boy's name. It is also used as a girl's name, with 743 recorded births.

When was Wilmer most popular?

Wilmer reached its peak popularity in 1920 with 443 births that year. It is currently ranked #1845 in the U.S.

How popular is the name Wilmer?

Wilmer is currently ranked #1845 in the U.S. (2024). It has been given to 15,883 babies since 1880.

Wilmer

An uncommon German pick — distinctive and rare.

Boy's name| Also girlsGermanRising fast Also a pet name

#1845▼ 312in 2024

Meaning & Origin

A male given name.

Wilmer is a boy's and girl's baby name of German origin, from the Old High German Willamer or Wilmar, meaning 'determined fame' or 'will-famous,' from willa (will, determination) and mari (famous, renowned). It was used in medieval Germany and spread through German-American communities.

Over 15,880 U.S. births are recorded. Actor Wilmer Valderrama of That '70s Show kept the name in pop-culture view. Wilmer has a solid, vintage character that's due for rediscovery.

Compare Wilmer with another name

Popularity Over Time

Wilmer was #1291 twenty years ago and has since drifted to #1845, but its charm endures.

Popularity by Decade

Decade-by-decade popularity data for Wilmer
Decade	Births	Avg Rank	Trend
2020s	494	#1707	▼
2010s	997	#1612	▼
2000s	1,241	#1263	▲
1990s	635	#1548	▲
1980s	407	#1655	▲
1970s	365	#1520	▼
1960s	601	#984	▼
1950s	912	#772	▼
1940s	1,453	#527	▼
1930s	2,073	#392	▼
1920s	3,525	#303	▲
1910s	2,434	#292	▲
1900s	365	#353	▲
1890s	218	#429	▲
1880s	163	#468	—

Year-by-Year Data

View complete yearly data(145 years, 1880–2024)

Year-by-year popularity data for the name Wilmer
Year	Births	Rank	Change
2024	88	#1845	-27 (-23.5%)
2023	115	#1533	+6 (5.5%)
2022	109	#1610	+3 (2.8%)
2021	106	#1612	+30 (39.5%)
2020	76	#1935	-19 (-20.0%)
2019	95	#1687	-1 (-1.0%)
2018	96	#1669	+14 (17.1%)
2017	82	#1825	-26 (-24.1%)
2016	108	#1545	+5 (4.9%)
2015	103	#1579	+4 (4.0%)
2014	99	#1596	+11 (12.5%)
2013	88	#1692	-6 (-6.4%)
2012	94	#1656	-14 (-13.0%)
2011	108	#1502	-16 (-12.9%)
2010	124	#1371	-11 (-8.1%)
2009	135	#1303	+15 (12.5%)
2008	120	#1413	-55 (-31.4%)
2007	175	#1069	+26 (17.4%)
2006	149	#1143	+12 (8.8%)
2005	137	#1169	+21 (18.1%)

Source: U.S. Social Security Administration. Showing years with 5+ recorded births.

Wilmer as a Girl's Name

While overwhelmingly a boy's name, Wilmer has also been given to 743 girls in the U.S. since 1900.

Unranked

Current rank

743

Total births

1919

Peak year

Compare Wilmer as boy vs girl

Frequently Asked

Can Wilmer be used for both boys and girls?

Yes, Wilmer is used for both boys and girls. As a boy's name, it currently ranks #1845. As a girl's name, it is not currently in the top rankings.

Wilmer has two lives

Wilmer, the baby name

#1845boys

15,883 babies

Currently viewing

Last updated May 2026 · Data: U.S. Social Security Administration (1880–2024) · Methodology