Origin and Meaning of Kilmer

Meaning & Origin

A place near a kiln

Origin: English - Derived from the Old English term 'cyln' meaning 'kiln, oven' combined with 'mere', which means 'lake' or 'pond'.

Interesting Facts

  • Kilmer started as a surname and is thought to have originated as a geographic name for someone living near a kiln or a lake.
  • The name Kilmer is relatively uncommon as a first name and is predominantly used in English-speaking countries.
  • One notable bearer of the surname is the American poet, Joyce Kilmer, famous for his poem 'Trees' which was published in 1913.
  • As a given name, Kilmer saw a slight rise in usage during the late 19th and early 20th centuries but remains relatively rare today.
  • There are a few variations of the name, such as Kilmore and Kilmer's, but Kilmer is the most widely recognized.