The name Homer has its origins in ancient Greek language and culture, dating back to the 8th century BC. It is derived from the Greek word "homeros," which means "hostage" or "pledge." The name is believed to have been derived from the Greek verb "homeresthai," meaning "to join together."

One of the earliest and most famous references to the name Homer is in connection with the legendary ancient Greek poet, author of the epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey. This Homer, whose existence and identity have been the subject of much scholarly debate, is believed to have lived around the 8th century BC.

In ancient Greek mythology, Homer was also the name of a legendary blind poet and singer, who was said to have been the son of the river god Meles and the nymph Critheïs. This mythological figure was often depicted as an elderly blind man, playing a lyre.

Throughout history, the name Homer has been borne by several notable individuals. One of the earliest recorded examples is Homer of Byzantium, a grammarian and critic who lived in the 2nd century BC. Another notable figure was Homer of Alexandria, a Greek grammarian and critic who lived in the 3rd century AD.

In more recent times, the name Homer has been carried by several famous writers and poets. These include the American poet Homer Baxter Sprague (1829-1918), the American poet and essayist Homer Greene (1853-1940), and the British poet and translator Homer Sykes (1949-2017).

Other notable individuals with the name Homer include Homer Plessy (1862-1925), the American activist who was the plaintiff in the landmark Supreme Court case Plessy v. Ferguson, and Homer Laughlin (1835-1913), the American businessman and founder of the Homer Laughlin China Company.