The name Shermaine is a modern variation of the French name Germaine, which itself derives from the Latin name Germanus, meaning "brother" or "germane" (akin, related). The earliest recorded use of the name Germaine dates back to the 5th century AD, during the later years of the Western Roman Empire.

Germanus was initially a Roman family name, but it later became a popular given name among early Christians in France and other parts of Western Europe. One of the earliest known bearers of the name was Saint Germain of Auxerre (378-448 AD), a renowned bishop and missionary who helped to spread Christianity in ancient Gaul.

In the 8th century, a notable figure named Germaine Cousin (1579-1601) lived in the village of Pibrac, near Toulouse, France. Despite being born to a poor family, Germaine Cousin is revered as a humble and devout servant of God, known for her generosity and piety. She was canonized as a saint by Pope Pius IX in 1867.

During the Middle Ages, the name Germaine was also borne by several noble women, including Germaine of Foix (1490-1538), who was the Queen Consort of Aragon and Navarre through her marriage to King Ferdinand II of Aragon.

Another famous bearer of the name was Germaine de Staël (1766-1817), a Swiss-French writer and philosopher who played a significant role in the literary and political circles of her time. She was a prominent figure during the French Revolution and the Romantic era, known for her influential works such as "De l'Allemagne" (On Germany) and her novel "Corinne."

The variant spelling Shermaine emerged more recently, likely in the 20th century, as a modern and distinctive form of the traditional name Germaine. While less common than the original spelling, Shermaine has gained popularity in some regions, particularly in parts of the English-speaking world.