The name Palmer is an English surname derived from the Latin word "palma," meaning "palm tree." It was originally an occupational surname given to those who carried palm fronds during religious processions or made products from palm leaves. The earliest recorded use of the name dates back to the 13th century in England.

In the Christian tradition, palm fronds symbolize victory and triumph, and they were often used in religious ceremonies and festivals. The name Palmer may have been first given to pilgrims who returned from the Holy Land carrying palm branches as a symbol of their journey. These pilgrims were known as "palmers" or "palmer-bearers."

During the Middle Ages, the name Palmer was associated with the Crusades and the pilgrimages to the Holy Land. In the 12th century, a famous English knight named Sir William Palmer joined the Third Crusade led by King Richard I. Sir William was celebrated for his bravery and heroism during the siege of Acre in 1191.

Another notable figure with the name Palmer was John Palmer, an English actor and playwright who lived during the Elizabethan era (1560-1610). He was a member of the Lord Chamberlain's Men, the same theatrical company that Shakespeare belonged to, and he was known for his roles in plays by Christopher Marlowe and Ben Jonson.

In the 18th century, John Palmer (1742-1818) was a renowned English postal reformer and surveyor who introduced several innovations to the British postal system, including the use of mail coaches and the establishment of a uniform postal rate.

In the field of botany, John Palmer (1785-1846) was an English naturalist and explorer who traveled extensively in the Pacific region and collected numerous plant specimens, many of which were new to science.

During the American Civil War, John McCauley Palmer (1817-1900) was a prominent Union Army general who commanded the 14th Corps of the Army of the Cumberland and played a crucial role in several major battles, including the Battle of Chickamauga and the Atlanta Campaign.

While the name Palmer has its roots in the Christian tradition and was associated with religious pilgrims, it has since become a popular name across various cultures and regions, reflecting its versatility and enduring appeal.