The name Armin has its origins in the Germanic languages, deriving from the elements "ari" meaning "eagle" and "man" meaning "man." It is a variation of the name Arminius, which was borne by the famous Germanic chieftain who led the decisive victory over Roman legions in the Battle of the Teutoburg Forest in 9 AD.

The name gained widespread popularity in medieval times, particularly among the Franks and other Germanic tribes. One of the earliest recorded individuals with this name was Armin, a Frankish nobleman who served as a courtier to King Clovis I in the 5th century.

Armin was also the name of a 7th-century Frankish bishop of Nantes, who played a significant role in the evangelization of Brittany. In the 9th century, Armin the Bavarian was a noted astronomer and mathematician who contributed to the development of the Julian calendar.

During the Middle Ages, the name Armin was particularly popular in the Holy Roman Empire. One notable figure was Armin of Styria, a 13th-century Minnesinger and lyric poet renowned for his love songs and verses.

In the 16th century, Armin van Houte, a Flemish painter and engraver, was renowned for his works depicting religious and mythological subjects. Another Armin of note was Armin Joseph Freiherr von Rested, an 18th-century Austrian field marshal who played a crucial role in the War of the Austrian Succession.

Over the centuries, the name Armin has been borne by individuals from various walks of life, including writers, artists, and scholars. One of the most famous bearers of the name was Armin Vambéry, a 19th-century Hungarian-Jewish traveler and scholar who made significant contributions to the study of Central Asian languages and cultures.