Gomer is a name of Hebrew origin, derived from the word "gamar," which means "to complete" or "to finish." It is believed to have been brought to the English-speaking world by early settlers from the British Isles who were influenced by Jewish culture and traditions.
The name Gomer first appears in the Bible as one of Jacob's wives. According to the Book of Genesis, Gomer was a daughter of a man named Diblaim, whom she married after being promised to another man named Shethar. However, it is unclear whether this biblical figure is related to the Hebrew meaning of the name.
In literature, the name Gomer is perhaps best known as the title character in "Gomer Pyle, U.S.M.C.," a popular television series that aired from 1964 to 1969. The show followed the misadventures of a naive but well-meaning Marine named Gomer Pyle, played by Jim Nabors.
Overall, Gomer is a name with an interesting historical and cultural background, but one that has not gained widespread popularity as a given name. It is more commonly found as a surname in various parts of the world, particularly in England, Ireland, and Wales. Nonetheless, it remains a unique and distinctive name choice for parents looking to give their child a name with a rich history and meaning.
The name Gomer experienced fluctuations in popularity throughout the early to mid-20th century, with a peak of 21 births in 1919 and a low of 5 births in both 1944 and 1968.