Find out how popular the first name Chalmers has been for the last 29 years (from 1978 to 2006) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Chalmers by gender

Based on the last 29 years of data, Chalmers is exclusively a male name.

For the most recent data in 2006, there were 6 male babies and 0 female babies born with the name Chalmers.

The history of the first name Chalmers

The name Chalmers has its origins in the Scottish Gaelic language, derived from the elements "cailleamair" meaning "clerk" or "secretary." It is believed to have emerged during the Middle Ages, specifically in the 12th or 13th century, when surnames and hereditary names became more common in Scotland.

Historically, the name Chalmers was associated with individuals who held positions as clerks, scribes, or secretaries, often in ecclesiastical or monastic settings. This connection can be traced back to the influential role played by the Church in Scotland during the medieval period.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Chalmers can be found in the Ragman Rolls of 1296, a historical document containing the names of Scottish nobles and landowners who swore fealty to King Edward I of England. The name appears as "de Chalmers," indicating its use as a surname at that time.

Notably, the name Chalmers has been borne by several prominent figures throughout history. In the 16th century, David Chalmers (1530-1592) was a Scottish scholar and reformer who played a significant role in the Scottish Reformation.

Later, in the 18th century, Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847) was a renowned Scottish minister, theologian, and leader of the Free Church of Scotland. He made significant contributions to the fields of theology, social reform, and education.

Another notable bearer of the name was Andrew Chalmers (1755-1834), a Scottish lawyer and legal writer who served as a judge and Lord Chief Baron of the Scottish Exchequer.

In the realm of literature, George Chalmers (1742-1825) was a Scottish writer and antiquarian who authored numerous works on Scottish history and literature, including a biography of Sir David Lyndsay and an edition of the poetical works of Sir David Lyndsay.

The name Chalmers has also been associated with academic and scientific pursuits. For example, Thomas Chalmers (1780-1847), mentioned earlier, was not only a renowned minister but also a professor of moral philosophy and a pioneering figure in the field of political economy.

These historical figures and their contributions across various fields illustrate the rich heritage and significance associated with the name Chalmers throughout the centuries.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Chalmers was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Chalmers, please contact us.

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