MallowbyNames

Herma

HUR-muh · Of uncertain origin; possibly a short form of names beginning with Herm-, related to the Greek god Hermes.

Peak popularity
1889
Usually for
Girls
Trend
Holding steady

Holding steady.

Popularity of Herma since 1884

Babies named Herma per year in U.S. Social Security records. Raw births topped out in 1918, but relative to how few babies were recorded back then, Herma's real moment was 1889.

112132192019602000Most births 1918Girls
Data table (by decade)
DecadeGirls
1880s21
1890s31
1900s80
1910s180
1920s209
1930s163
1940s127
1950s45
1960s5
1970s0
1980s0
1990s0
2000s0
2010s0
2020s0

Meaning & origin

Herma is a rare name that first appeared in U.S. records in 1884, though it never gained significant traction. Its peak year was 1889, with only a handful of births recorded. The name's trajectory has remained stable at extremely low usage, with no revival in recent decades. While its exact meaning is uncertain, it is thought to be a diminutive of names like Hermione, connecting it to Greek mythology through the messenger god Hermes. Herma's rarity and short, simple sound may appeal to parents seeking an obscure vintage name with a soft, feminine feel.

Herma is likely a short form of names such as Hermine or Hermione, which derive from the Greek god Hermes. The name appears in the late 19th century, particularly in the United States, but never achieved widespread popularity. Its usage has been rare, with most recorded instances occurring in the late 1800s and early 1900s.

Sibling names for Herma

Names that share Herma's style, for a brother or sister.

A parent animal hugging its little one, the personalized name page

H is for Herma, our favorite little girl.

H is for Herma…”

In a Mallowby alphabet book, Herma's letter becomes Herma's page: hand-illustrated, printed hardcover or paperback, made just for them.

Make Herma's book

Books for siblings or grandkids? The second book is 15% off.

Questions parents ask

What does the name Herma mean?
The meaning of Herma is uncertain. It may be a short form of names like Hermine, which is derived from the Greek god Hermes.
How popular is the name Herma today?
Herma is not currently ranked in the top 1000 names for any year. Its peak popularity was in 1889, according to Social Security data.
Is Herma a boy or girl name?
Herma is almost exclusively used as a girl's name.