Gilmer Name Meaning, Facts & Family History

The surname Gilmer is of Scottish origin, derived from the Gaelic name Gille Moire, which means "servant of the Virgin Mary." It is believed to have originated in the Highland region of Scotland.
The Gilmer family history can be traced back to the 13th century in Scotland, where they held lands and were associated with the Clan Cameron. In the 17th century, some members of the Gilmer family migrated to Ireland, particularly to Ulster, due to political and religious conflicts. Over time, numerous Gilmer families spread throughout Ireland and contributed to the development of various communities.
In the 18th and 19th centuries, several Gilmer families emigrated from Ireland and Scotland to the United States, where they settled in states like Virginia, South Carolina, and Georgia. They became involved in diverse occupations, including agriculture, politics, law, and military service. Today, the Gilmer surname is found in different parts of the United States, particularly in the states mentioned above.
As with any family history, individual stories and lineages may vary. Detailed knowledge of a specific family's history can often be obtained through genealogical research, family records, and oral traditions.

1. The surname Gilmer is of English and Scottish origin.
2. It is a patronymic name, derived from the personal name "Gilbert", meaning "bright pledge" or "illustrious host".
3. The name Gilmer was first recorded in Scotland in the 14th century.
4. One possible origin of the name is from the village of Gilmer in Fife, Scotland.
5. The surname Gilmer is relatively rare, with only a small number of bearers worldwide.
6. Famous individuals with the surname Gilmer include Samuel Gilmer, an American politician who served as the 28th Governor of Virginia, and Thomas Walker Gilmer, a U.S. Congressman and Secretary of the Navy under President John Tyler.
7. Variations of the surname include Gilmour, Gilmore, and Gillemore.
8. Gilmer is not a particularly common name in any particular region, although it can be found throughout the English-speaking world.
9. The coat of arms associated with the surname Gilmer typically features a shield with a gold chevron between three silver fleur-de-lis on a blue background.
10. Today, individuals with the surname Gilmer can be found in various professions, including law, business, academia, and the arts.

1. George Rockingham Gilmer Jr. (1790-1859): American politician who served as the Governor of Georgia from 1829 to 1831 and 1837 to 1839.
2. Sue Gilmer (born 1975): American television personality, best known for her appearances on the reality show "The Real Housewives of Orange County."
3. Thomas Walker Gilmer (1802-1844): American statesman and naval officer who served as the 15th Governor of Virginia and as the United States Secretary of the Navy.
4. Charles E. Gilmer (1924-2017): American entrepreneur and philanthropist, known for co-founding the software company Software AG.
5. Bibb Graves Gilmer (1889-1937): American politician who served in both houses of the Alabama Legislature and as the United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama.
6. John Gilmer Speed (1903-1993): American novelist and poet, known for his works such as "The Scalawags."
7. Mychal Gilmer (born 1997): American professional basketball player, currently a member of the Texas Legends in the NBA G League.
8. Jack Gilmer (1915-2002): American football player who played as a quarterback for the Washington Redskins in the NFL.
9. Pat Gilmer (born 1949): Australian former professional rugby league footballer who played for the Penrith Panthers and the New South Wales Rugby League team.
10. Randy Gilmer (born 1961): American former professional basketball player who played in the NBA for the Milwaukee Bucks and the Cleveland Cavaliers.