TheNameDBPalmer
OccupationalMeaning
A pilgrim who traveled to the Holy Land and returned bearing a palm frond as proof.
Etymology
From Old French 'palmer' and Latin 'palma,' referring to the palm branch carried by pilgrims returning from Jerusalem. The surname became hereditary for families descended from such pilgrims or those who accommodated them.
About the Palmer Surname
Palmer originally identified pilgrims who had journeyed to the Holy Land and returned with palm branches as religious souvenirs. The surname later became hereditary and was borne by descendants of these pilgrims or those associated with pilgrimage routes.
Distribution & Frequency
Found throughout England and common in English-speaking countries, with particular concentration in southern England.
Palmer Surname Distribution
Geographic distribution based on Civil War military records.
Fewer
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