Palmer Last Name Origin, History, and Meaning
Where did the surname Palmer come from? What does the surname Palmer mean? Discover the history and meaning of the last name Palmer and family migration on YourRoots Map.
Milford, Palmiere, Palmore, Parmer
Surname Palmer Origin: What does the last name Palmer mean?
The surname Palmer is of English origin and is derived from the palm branch, which historically symbolized a Christian pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Records indicate that the Palmer surname first appeared in the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. Over the centuries, it became more prevalent in the United States, surpassing the UK in terms of records by the 17th century. Today, the Palmer surname remains well-represented in the United States and is also found in countries such as Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, and various European nations.
YourRoots data confirms the early presence of the Palmer surname in the United Kingdom, with a noticeable increase in records in the United States by the 17th century. The surname has since spread globally, with significant representation in countries like Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. The Palmer name reflects a historical connection to Christian pilgrimage and has evolved into a widely distributed surname with a rich heritage across different regions and cultures.
Palmer Last Name History: Where did the last name Palmer come from?
Origin of Palmer Surname: Where does the last name Palmer originate from?
According to YourRoots data, the surname Palmer first appeared in records from the United Kingdom around the early 12th century. Please note that this information reflects only the exact ‚"Palmer" spelling in the YourRoots database and does not include other record sources or variations of the surname.
History of the Last Name Palmer: What does the Palmer surname history look like in the early days?
The "Palmer" surname remained closely associated with the United Kingdom from the 12th through the 15th century. However, by the 16th century, there was a noticeable increase in the volume of Palmer's surname records in the United States, surpassing the United Kingdom by the 17th century according to the YourRoots database.
Global Spread: Where can we find the Palmer surname today?
The Palmer surname saw significant growth in the United States during the 16th to 19th centuries. Despite a decrease in the volume of records in the 20th century, the "Palmer" surname remains well-represented in the United States today. Furthermore, the surname appears in a wide range of countries indicating a global spread. Some of these countries include the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa, Ireland, Germany, France, Sweden, and the Netherlands, among others.
Explore Palmer last name heritage and Palmer surname origin based on YourRoots Map data

Famous People With Palmer Surame?
Keke Palmer
Lauren Keyana "Keke" Palmer (Aug 26, 1993) is a talented American actress, singer, and TV personality. She gained fame for her roles in "True Jackson, VP" and "Akeelah and the Bee". Palmer has won multiple awards and continues to impress audiences with her versatile performances.
Arnold Palmer
Arnold Daniel Palmer (Sep 10, 1929 - Sep 25, 2016) was an iconic American professional golfer known as "The King." He revolutionized the sport in the 1960s, winning numerous titles and popularizing golf worldwide. Palmer's charisma and talent made him a trailblazer in the golfing world, leaving a lasting legacy.
Betsy Palmer
Betsy Palmer (Patricia Betsy Hrunek; Nov 1, 1926 - May 29, 2015) was a versatile American actress known for her work in film, Broadway, and television. She gained fame for her role as Pamela Voorhees in the iconic horror film "Friday the 13th" (1980), becoming a beloved figure in the genre.
Derrick Palmer
Derrick Palmer (born 1988 or 1989) is an American labor activist and whistleblower. He gained recognition as Vice President of Organizing of the Amazon Labor Union, leading efforts to unionize the JFK8 warehouse in New York City. Palmer and Chris Smalls were named two of Time Magazine's 100 most influential people of 2022.
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