The name Herminia has its roots in the Latin language and can be traced back to ancient Roman times. It is derived from the name Herminius, which itself comes from the Latin word "herma," meaning a square pillar with a bust of the Greek god Hermes on top. Hermes was the messenger god known for eloquence, so the name may have initially signified someone with oratory skills.

The earliest recorded use of the name Herminia was in the 4th century AD, when Saint Herminia was a Christian martyr who lived in the region of Bithynia, which is now part of modern-day Turkey. She was executed for her faith during the persecution of Christians under the Roman emperor Diocletian. Her feast day is celebrated on September 1st in the Catholic Church.

In the 16th century, the name Herminia appeared in the epic poem "La Gerusalemme Liberata" (Jerusalem Delivered) by the Italian poet Torquato Tasso. The character Herminia was a beautiful Saracen princess who fell in love with the Christian knight Tancred during the Crusades. This literary work helped popularize the name across Europe.

One of the earliest notable individuals named Herminia was Herminia Catalina de Ribera y Velasco (1619-1633), a Spanish noblewoman and daughter of the Viceroy of Naples. She died at a young age but was remembered for her beauty and intelligence.

In the 19th century, Herminia Bracco (1823-1888) was an Italian painter and one of the first women to be admitted to the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze (Academy of Fine Arts in Florence).

Another notable figure was Herminia Ibarra de Coronado (1842-1933), a Venezuelan educator and women's rights activist who founded several schools and worked to improve education for girls and women in her country.

The name Herminia also has a connection to the arts, with Herminia Borges Caraballo (1898-1973) being a renowned Puerto Rican poet and writer. Her works often explored themes of nature, love, and the Puerto Rican identity.

Finally, Herminia Albarrán de Visscher (1916-2005) was a Mexican architect and one of the first women to graduate from the National Autonomous University of Mexico's architecture program. She designed several notable buildings and was a pioneer in her field.