Holding steady.
Popularity of Ermina since 1885
Babies named Ermina per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ermina's real moment was 1886.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls |
|---|---|
| 1880s | 13 |
| 1890s | 0 |
| 1900s | 0 |
| 1910s | 112 |
| 1920s | 87 |
| 1930s | 36 |
| 1940s | 0 |
| 1950s | 0 |
| 1960s | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 |
| 1990s | 5 |
| 2000s | 33 |
| 2010s | 5 |
| 2020s | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ermina is a rare feminine name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1885 and achieved its peak rank in 1886. Since then it has remained stable but uncommon, never entering the top 1000 and currently given to fewer than five babies per year. Its uncertain etymology adds an air of mystery, likely deriving from either the Germanic elements for 'army man' or 'great, strong', but the exact origin is debated. The name has no strong regional ties, with no top states recorded. Today Ermina appeals to parents seeking an antique, distinctive name outside mainstream trends.
Ermina likely emerged as a feminine elaboration of Herman (from Old High German heri 'army' + man 'man') or as a variant of Irma (from Old High German irmin 'great, strong'). It saw moderate use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in English-speaking countries, often as a more ornate alternative to Emma or Irma.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Erma, Mina, Ernie
Sibling names for Ermina
Names that share Ermina's style, for a brother or sister.
