Kermit

Meaning & origin

Kermit first appeared in U.S. birth records in 1900 and reached its peak popularity in 1909. After that initial peak, the name declined steadily for decades, becoming quite rare by the late 20th century. There has been a modest revival in recent years; since 2020, the name has been noted as rising in use, though it remains uncommon. In 2025, about 1 in every 284,679 boys was named Kermit. Because of its vintage feel and the enduring fame of Kermit the Frog, the name carries a nostalgic yet playful quality. It is most often associated with the Irish surname tradition, linking it to a heritage of meaning 'son of Diarmuid.' While it may never regain its early 1900s popularity, its recent uptick suggests a renewed interest among parents looking for distinctive and historically rooted names.

Kermit is primarily known as an Anglicized form of the Irish surname MacDermott (also spelled McDermott), which means 'son of Diarmuid.' Diarmuid itself is an old Gaelic name of uncertain meaning, often interpreted as 'without enemy' or 'free from envy.' The given name Kermit was most popular in the early 20th century, with a peak in 1909. Its association with the famous Muppet character Kermit the Frog, created by Jim Henson in 1955, later gave the name a playful, cultural resonance.