Palmer

Palmer comes from an English surname associated with a pilgrim carrying a palm branch. The palm was a sign connected with pilgrimage, so the name’s historical meaning is more specific than simply “palm tree.” It offers a religious association through an older surname rather than through a biblical personal name.

The usual English pronunciation has two syllables, and many speakers do not sound a distinct l. Palmer has been used for both boys and girls, with the US pattern shown in its popularity records. It is not automatically a form of Pamela despite the shared letters. Families can choose it for surname heritage, the pilgrimage connection, or its sound.