Name profile

BoyPronounced Italian /ˈel.mo/; English /ˈɛl.moʊ/Estonian language family

Elmo

A name meaning "helmet, protection".

Quick answer

Elmo is a boy name meaning "helmet, protection".

Pronunciation: Italian /ˈel.mo/; English /ˈɛl.moʊ/.

GenderBoy
Meaninghelmet, protection
PronunciationItalian /ˈel.mo/; English /ˈɛl.moʊ/
Language familyEstonian

Meaning and history

Originally a short form of names ending with the Old German element helm meaning "helmet, protection", such as Guglielmo or Anselmo. It is also a derivative of Erasmus, via the old Italian short form Ermo. Saint Elmo, also known as Saint Erasmus, was a 4th-century martyr who is the patron of sailors. Saint Elmo's fire is said to be a sign of his protection. In the English-speaking world this name is now associated with a red muppet character from the children's television program Sesame Street.

Notes and context

Usage: italian, english, finnish, estonian