Elmar is a name of German origin, derived from the Old High German words "adal" meaning "noble" and "hari" meaning "army". It is a masculine name that has been used historically in Germany but has since become more widespread across Europe.
The name Elmar has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages. It was borne by several notable figures throughout history, including Elmar of Strasbourg, a 13th-century canon lawyer and theologian, and Elmar the Younger, a 14th-century chronicler from the House of Katzenelnbogen.
In terms of its meaning, Elmar is associated with nobility and courage. The name's components "adal" and "hari" convey a sense of grandeur and bravery, making it an attractive choice for parents seeking a strong and meaningful name for their son.
Today, Elmar continues to be used as a given name in various countries, although its popularity has waned somewhat since the mid-20th century. Nevertheless, it remains a timeless and dignified option for parents looking for a distinctive yet historically significant name for their child.
The name Elmar has had a varied history of popularity in the United States over the past century. The peak years for the name seem to be around the early 1920s, with a high of 15 births in 1923 and consistent numbers in the teens throughout the decade. However, the popularity of Elmar began to decline after this period.
From the late 1930s to the mid-1940s, there were fewer than 10 births per year with the name Elmar. The number fluctuated between 5 and 9 until the 1960s, when it became more common again, with around 6 births each year from 1960 to 2000.
Interestingly, Elmar has seen a small resurgence in recent years, with 5 births in both 2011 and 2012, followed by 6 in 2013 and another 5 in 2015. This shows that while the name may not be as popular as it once was, there is still a consistent number of families choosing Elmar for their children each year.
In total, over the course of the past century, there have been 287 births with the name Elmar in the United States. While this is not an extremely high number, it does indicate that the name has had some level of popularity and continues to be chosen by parents today.