Palmer? On a girl?

Girl Names
1

I was just looking through the SSA list and noticed Palmer is listed at 294 for girls, and it was ranked for the first time in 2018. That to me seems way more popular than I would have expected.

Its a name that I’ve never heard discussed on here or in real life. I’ve never met anyone named Palmer, and just based on sound alone is one i wouldn’t have expected to be ranked at all.

I was just wondering if anyone had any insights to its popularity. Is there a pop culture thing? Is it just a fresh take on surname names for girls? Whats the appeal?

*edit I have nothing against Palmer. I just found its popularity surprising

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2

I knew a girl named [name_u]Palmer[/name_u] in the 2000s. I remember thinking, wow what a cool name for a girl! Last names as first names are super popular in the unisex/gender neutral space and have been for a while.

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3

I think it’s a combination of the unisex surname trend and the fact that it has such a warm, beachy feel from the “palm” part :palm_tree:.

Also maybe [name_m]Arnold[/name_m] [name_u]Palmer[/name_u] has something to do with it? He and the drink named after him are my only real associations with [name_u]Palmer[/name_u]. Also [name_f]Laura[/name_f] [name_u]Palmer[/name_u] from Twin Peaks, but I doubt that would be the reason the name has gained recent popularity.

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4

What a horrible name for a girl. [name_m]Even[/name_m] for a boy, it’s pretty ugly.

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5

I find its popularity surprising too because I’ve literally never heard this name on a girl before. I honestly think it has quite a harsh, unappealing sound as a first name but I can see it working on a boy. So when I noticed it shooting up in popularity for girls, I was also very surprised. I think it fits in with names like [name_u]Collins[/name_u], [name_u]Campbell[/name_u], [name_u]Lennon[/name_u], etc. that have a boyish surname quality to them, and these kind of names are pretty trendy at the moment (even though it’s one of my personal least favorite trends…)

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6

The only [name_u]Palmer[/name_u] I’ve ever met was a little girl of about 4 years old. That was 5 or 6 years ago.
I was a bit surprised at first but it actually suited her well.

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7

I know of two female Palmer’s - one around 2 years old and the other around 10. I like it! The [name_m]Adam[/name_m] Sandler [name_f]Jennifer[/name_f] [name_f]Aniston[/name_f] movie, [name_m]Just[/name_m] Go With It, had a female [name_u]Palmer[/name_u], [name_u]Brooklyn[/name_u] Decker’s character.

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8

OMG finally someone agrees with me! I can’t stand this trend and I really hope it goes away as soon as possible

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10

I know someone who has a son named [name_u]Palmer[/name_u] who is probably in his early thirties. Never met a girl with the name. Tbh I kind of like it? I can’t see myself using it, but I’d guess the rising similarity is because of its similarity to [name_u]Parker[/name_u]. It makes me think of [name_f]Laura[/name_f] [name_u]Palmer[/name_u] from Twin Peaks. I haven’t even seen that show, but I think besides the one friend’s son, it’s the only other time I’ve heard the name.

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