The name Kermit is of English origin and is believed to be derived from the Old English words "cer" meaning "bend" and "mit" meaning "measure." The name was first used as a surname and is thought to refer to a person who measured or surveyed land.

In its earliest recorded use as a given name, Kermit appears in medieval English records from the 13th century. One of the earliest known individuals with the name Kermit was Kermit de Wolricheston, a landowner from Worcestershire, England, who was mentioned in the Feet of Fines records in 1289.

Throughout history, the name Kermit has been relatively uncommon, with few notable bearers. One of the earliest famous individuals with the name was Kermit Roosevelt (1889-1943), the son of former U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. He served as a soldier and writer, and accompanied his father on several expeditions, including the famous River of Doubt expedition in Brazil.

Another notable Kermit was Kermit Whitfield (1913-1998), an American jazz saxophonist and bandleader who played with the likes of Louis Armstrong and Duke Ellington. He was known for his smooth and melodic playing style and was a prominent figure in the swing era of jazz music.

In the world of athletics, Kermit Washington (born 1951) was a professional basketball player who played in the NBA for several teams, including the Los Angeles Lakers and the Boston Celtics, during the 1970s and 1980s. He was involved in one of the most infamous on-court incidents in NBA history, when he punched and severely injured fellow player Rudy Tomjanovich during a game in 1977.

Another famous Kermit was Kermit Ruffins (born 1964), a New Orleans-based jazz musician and singer. He is known for his energetic live performances and for blending traditional jazz with funk and R&B influences. Ruffins has been a fixture on the New Orleans music scene for decades and has released several acclaimed albums.

While the name Kermit has remained relatively uncommon throughout history, it gained widespread recognition in the late 20th century due to the popularity of the Muppet character Kermit the Frog, created by Jim Henson. The charismatic and lovable amphibian has become a cultural icon and has helped to further popularize the name Kermit in modern times.