Noah Boy
NOH-uh
“rest, comfort” · Hebrew
#2
Elmo
BoyItalian, Greek· “from Erasmus, or Germanic helmet”
- Meaning
- from Erasmus, or Germanic helmet
- Origin
- Italian, Greek
- Pronunciation
- EHL-moh
- Syllables
- 2
- US rank 2025
- Unranked
- US babies 2025
- 0
- Best rank
- #247 (1909)
- Peak year
- 1920
Meaning and origin of Elmo
Elmo is an Italian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “from Erasmus, or Germanic helmet”.
Elmo is an Italian form of Erasmus, the early bishop and martyr who became the patron of sailors. The glow sometimes seen on ships' masts during storms is called Saint Elmo's fire after him. Erasmus comes from Greek erasmios, beloved. Elmo is also explained as a short form of Germanic names with helm, helmet or protection. It has been used as a given name in America since the nineteenth century. It is said EHL-moh. Today many people know it from the red puppet on Sesame Street, which gives it a friendly, playful association.
Popularity over time
Elmo has been given to babies in the United States since at least 1880, the first year of Social Security records. It has ranked in the top 1,000 in 79 different years. Its best national rank was #247 in 1909, and the most babies received it in 1920, when 397 were named Elmo. It did not appear in the 2025 data, which only lists names given to at least five babies.
Its national rank moved from #279 in 1920, #784 in 1950, and #4,246 in 1980. Of the 10,091 US boys named Elmo since records began, 29% were born in the 1920s, its biggest decade. The 1910s come next, with 2,476 babies. Since 2010, 16 more have been named Elmo.
Other boys' names that peaked around the same time include Elton, Russel, Kermit, Edmond, and Thurman.
Gender, sound and spelling
In the US it is used almost only for boys.
Elmo is usually pronounced EHL-moh, with two syllables. It has four letters, starts with E and ends in “-mo”.
Middle names for Elmo
A few middle names that flow with Elmo: each avoids a matching first letter, a rhyme and a vowel clash where the names meet.
Sibling names for Elmo
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Lists that include Elmo
Frequently asked questions
What does the name Elmo mean?
Elmo is an Italian and Greek name that is usually said to mean “from Erasmus, or Germanic helmet”.
What is the origin of the name Elmo?
Elmo has Italian, Greek, and Germanic roots. Elmo is an Italian form of Erasmus, the early bishop and martyr who became the patron of sailors.
Is Elmo a popular name?
No. Elmo was not recorded for five or more babies of its most common sex in 2025, so it is rare today.
Is Elmo a boy or girl name?
Elmo is mainly a boy's name. In the US it is used almost only for boys.
How do you pronounce Elmo?
Elmo is usually pronounced EHL-moh. Stressed syllables are in capital letters.
Popularity figures come from US Social Security card applications (names given to at least five babies in a year, 1880 to 2025). How we source names and meanings