Holding steady.
Popularity of Ermine since 1883
Babies named Ermine per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1917, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Ermine's real moment was 1883.
Data table (by decade)
| Decade | Girls | Boys |
|---|---|---|
| 1880s | 21 | 0 |
| 1890s | 57 | 0 |
| 1900s | 60 | 6 |
| 1910s | 153 | 24 |
| 1920s | 144 | 15 |
| 1930s | 55 | 17 |
| 1940s | 25 | 0 |
| 1950s | 7 | 5 |
| 1960s | 0 | 0 |
| 1970s | 0 | 0 |
| 1980s | 0 | 0 |
| 1990s | 0 | 0 |
| 2000s | 0 | 0 |
| 2010s | 0 | 0 |
| 2020s | 0 | 0 |
Meaning & origin
Ermine is a rare name that first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1883, its peak year, and has since remained extremely uncommon. It has a stable trajectory, never experiencing a revival or a notable increase in usage. The name is likely of English origin, possibly derived from Herman or the animal ermine, but its exact etymology is uncertain. It was most common in the 1880s, though its frequency was low even then, and it has not been associated with any specific state. Today, Ermine is a distinctive choice for parents seeking a vintage name with a soft, nature-inspired feel.
The name Ermine has multiple possible origins. It may be a feminine form of Herman, via Old French Ermin, or perhaps a direct use of the word for the animal, itself from Old French ermine and ultimately from Latin Armenius (mus) 'Armenian (rat)'. The name saw limited use in the 19th and early 20th centuries, especially in the United States, but never gained widespread popularity.
Nicknames & variants
Nicknames: Erma, Minnie
Sibling names for Ermine
Names that share Ermine's style, for a brother or sister.
