"tropical tree," O.E.
palma, O.Fr.
palme, both from L.
palma "palm tree," originally "palm of the hand;" the tree so called from the shape of its leaves, like fingers of a hand (see
palm (1)). The word traveled early to northern Europe, where the tree does not grow, via Christianity (e.g. O.E.
palm-sunnandæg "Palm Sunday"). In ancient times, a leaf or frond was carried or worn as a symbol of victory or triumph, or on feast days; hence fig. use of
palm for "victory, triumph" (c.1386), and adj.
palmy "triumphant" (1602).
Palm court "large room in a hotel, etc., usually decorated with potted palms" first recorded 1908.
Palmer "pilgrim who has returned from the Holy Land" (1176, as a surname) is from Anglo-Fr.
palmer (O.Fr.
palmier), from M.L.
palmarius, from L.
palma "palm tree." So called because they wore palm branches in commemoration of the journey.
[pahm] 
