Find out how popular the first name Erma has been for the last 50 years (from 1974 to 2023) and learn more about the meaning and history.

Popularity of Erma by gender

Based on the last 50 years of data, Erma is exclusively a female name.

For the most recent data in 2023, there were 22 female babies and 0 male babies born with the name Erma.

The history of the first name Erma

The given name Erma has its roots in the Germanic languages, specifically Old High German. It is derived from the word "erma" which means "whole" or "complete". The name gained popularity during the Middle Ages, particularly in regions where Germanic languages were spoken.

One of the earliest recorded instances of the name Erma can be found in the Codex Diplomaticus, a collection of medieval documents from the 9th century. The name appears in a document dated 857 AD, referring to a woman named Erma who was a landowner in the region of present-day Germany.

In the Middle Ages, the name Erma was associated with strength, resilience, and completeness. It was often given to girls with the hope that they would grow up to be wholesome and well-rounded individuals.

One notable historical figure bearing the name Erma was Erma of Brittany, a Breton noblewoman who lived in the 11th century. She was known for her involvement in the political intrigues of the time and her influence over the Duke of Brittany.

Another famous Erma was Erma Bombeck, an American humorist and author born in 1927 and died in 1996. She was widely renowned for her humorous writings about suburban life and motherhood, which resonated with millions of readers across the United States.

In the realm of literature, Erma Hendrieks was a notable American author and poet born in 1884 and died in 1946. She gained recognition for her poetry collections and her works exploring themes of nature and spirituality.

The name Erma also had a notable presence in the world of academia. Erma Greenwood, born in 1920 and died in 2003, was an American historian and educator who made significant contributions to the study of women's history and feminist thought.

Another prominent figure was Erma Henderson, an American civil rights activist born in 1909 and died in 1997. She played a crucial role in the desegregation of public schools in Oklahoma and was a vocal advocate for racial equality.

Data source

The first name data used on this page comes from the Social Security Administration (SSA). They've been collecting data on baby names since 1880.

The history and meaning of the name Erma was researched and written by our team of onomatology and genealogy experts.

If you have a correction or suggestion to improve the history of Erma, please contact us.

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