Elmo

Just a century ago, the masculine name Elmo had entirely different connotations. Long before the beloved show Sesame Street hit TV screens, Elmo was the name of a fourth-century saint. Known for using fire as a sign of protection, Saint Elmo was the patron of sailors. As a first name, Elmo is likely a shortened form of Italian titles that end in -elmo, such as Anselmo and Guglielmo. Ultimately, -elmo stems from the German element helm, meaning “helmet” or “protection.” Other sources link Elmo to Erasmus, a Greek moniker that translates to “beloved” or “desired.” Although the furry red Muppet character is the world’s most famous Elmo today, your little one will someday discover just how great a legacy their name holds.