Erma: Name Day, Name Meaning & More
Name days are time-honored traditions, especially prevalent in European Catholic and Orthodox cultures, celebrating the saint or feast associated with a given name. The name Erma, which has an origin suggesting the quality of “universal” or “whole,” carries a vintage and sturdy mood. Historically, Erma was a popular feminine choice in the early 20th century USA before its usage declined significantly. For those celebrating this classic name, Erma’s name day is observed on April 7 in the United States. This convergence of history, meaning, and tradition defines the identity of Erma.
Name Day: Dates by Country
Erma's name day is celebrated
on April 7 in the USA.
The Story Behind This Name
The name Erma has a distinct history within the United States, reaching its peak popularity around the turn of the 20th century. It appeared consistently among the top 100 female names in the US during the 1890s and the early 1900s. Its usage began a steady decline after the 1930s, reflecting changing naming trends favoring shorter or more modern choices. Today, Erma is considered a classic, vintage choice, used very infrequently by contemporary parents. This places the name firmly within the category of names experiencing a major generational gap in usage.
Name origin and meaning
The name Erma is traditionally considered a shortened form of names like Ermengard or Ermintrude, linking it to Germanic roots. It is also often used as a variation of Irma, especially in English-speaking contexts. The primary meaning derived from the Germanic elements relates to the concept of “whole,” “universal,” or “complete.” This linguistic heritage suggests a robust and encompassing quality associated with the name. Consequently, Erma carries the implication of unity or being all-encompassing.
Name Identity: Gender Classification
Erma is overwhelmingly classified as a feminine given name across the globe, especially in Western cultures. Historically and presently, it is almost exclusively reserved for female identity in the United States and the United Kingdom. While some Germanic names have masculine counterparts, Erma itself does not register significant usage as a male or truly unisex name. Its strong identification as a female name aligns with its relationship to its European sister name, Irma. Therefore, Erma maintains a clear identity as a traditional female name internationally.
The Name Effect: Mood, Tone & Personality
The name Erma projects a vintage and classically reliable mood, evoking a sense of sturdy warmth. It possesses a straightforward, slightly firm tone, avoiding the overly delicate sounds of some other historic feminine names. The short, two-syllable structure gives it a grounding and no-nonsense feel. This tone suggests a personality that is traditional, resilient, and dependable, rather than playful or overtly romantic. Overall, Erma carries an old-fashioned elegance combined with an enduring strength.
Mirror Magic: Erma & Amre
Some names hold a hidden surprise—when reversed, they reveal another beautiful and valid name. This playful symmetry adds a unique charm, making the pair feel like secret reflections of each other. Whether by chance or design, these reversible names create a fascinating linguistic connection between two identities.
See also:
Amre: Name Day, Name Meaning & More Unlocking the Hidden Meaning of Name: Erma
Your name is more than just a label - it holds a unique energy that influences your personality, destiny, and life path. Through numerology and astrology, we uncover the deeper meanings behind your name, revealing your strengths, challenges, and the energy you bring into the world.
Pythagorean Numerology: The Hidden Meaning of Name
Destiny number: 1 – The Leader.
Keywords: Independence, ambition, innovation, leadership, determination.
Positive Traits: Self-motivated, original thinker, confident, goal-oriented, strong-willed.
Challenges: Can be stubborn, impatient, egotistical, or overly competitive.
Life Path Meaning: A path of leadership, individuality, and pioneering new ideas.
Chaldean Numerology: Name Energy and Spiritual Insights
First name number: 3 - The communicator.
Traits: Creative, expressive, social, optimistic.
Strengths: Charismatic, artistic, talented in communication and writing.
Challenges: Can be scattered, superficial, or struggle with discipline.
The Cosmic Secret Code: What The Name Says About You
The name is linked to the planet that governs it, shaping the name's meaning and influencing the traits associated with it.
Planet: Sun - Leadership, Confidence, Vitality.
The Sun represents power, authority, and self-expression. Names influenced by the Sun often belong to individuals who are natural-born leaders, radiating warmth, charisma, and creativity. They tend to have a strong presence, a sense of purpose, and a desire for recognition. Sun-ruled names often evoke images of brightness, strength, and nobility.
Name days: Name Erma
This list shows name days in different countries where the name is written in the same form. The dates are based on traditional calendars and cultural name celebrations. If your name matches exactly, you can see when it is honored in various parts of the world.
Name days: Similar names (Erma)
Here you’ll find name days for names that are similar in spelling, pronunciation, or origin. Many cultures group related names together, even if they are not identical. If your name has a close variation, you may find relevant name day dates in this section.
| Country | Month | Day | Name days |
 Norway | January | 29 | Herdis, Hermann, Hermod |
 Lithuania | March | 25 | Bermantas, Kantrimas, Normantas, Normante |
 Croatia | April | 7 | Epifan, Herman, Ivan de la Salle |
 Czechia | April | 7 | Hermína, Heřman |
 Hungary | April | 7 | Herman |
| Lithuania | April | 7 | Donata, Hermanas, Kantaute, Minvydas |
 Poland | April | 7 | Donat, Donata, Epifaniusz, Hegezyp, Herman, Przecław, Rufin |
 Latvia | April | 11 | Hermanis, Ira, Irida, Vilmars |
| Poland | April | 11 | Filip, Herman, Jaromir, Leon, Marek |
 Spain | May | 2 | Araceli, Atanasio, Exuperio, Germán, Mafalda, Vindemial, Zoé |
| Croatia | May | 9 | Beato, Herman, Kristofor, Mirna |
| Spain | May | 9 | Geroncio, Gregorio, Hermas |
 Ukraine | May | 12 | Herman |
 Austria | May | 28 | Germanius, Wilhelm |
| Croatia | May | 28 | German |
 France | May | 28 | Germain |
| Poland | May | 28 | Augustyn, German, Jaromir, Priam, Wiktor, Wiktoriusz, Wilhelm, Wrócimir |
| Spain | May | 28 | Agustín, Bernardo, Emilio, Germán |
| Poland | June | 13 | Antoni, Chociemir, Herman, Lucjan, Maria Magdalena, Tobiasz |
| France | June | 15 | Germaine |
 Italy | June | 15 | Germana Cousin |
 USA | June | 15 | Alice, Alicia, Alisa, Alisha, Alison, Alissa, Allie, Allison, Allyson, Alyce, Alyse, Alysha, Alysia, Alyson, Alyssa, Germain, Germaine, German, Jermaine, Vidal, Vito |
 Greece | June | 28 | Germanos |
| Spain | July | 7 | Fermín, Germano, Odón, Peregrino, Roberto |
 Estonia | July | 12 | Armand, Herman, Hermann, Hermo, Härm, Härmel, Härmo |
 Finland | July | 12 | Herkko, Herman, Hermanni |
 Sweden | July | 12 | Herman, Hermine |
| USA | July | 16 | Carmel, Carmela, Carmelo, Carmen, Shelby, Sherman, Sherwood |
| Estonia | July | 30 | Kerman, Kermo, Roland |
| Austria | July | 31 | Hermann, Ignatius, Justinus |
 Denmark | July | 31 | Germanus |
| Denmark | August | 11 | Herman |
| Poland | August | 11 | Aleksander, Herman, Ligia, Lukrecja, Włodzimierz, Włodziwoj, Zula, Zuzanna |
| Austria | September | 24 | Gerhard, Hermann, Rupert, Virgil |
| France | September | 25 | Hermann |
| Poland | October | 10 | Franciszek, German, Kalistrat, Lutomir, Paulin, Tomił |
| Lithuania | October | 11 | Daugvyde, Germanas, Rimdaugas, Zina, Zinaida |
| Poland | October | 11 | Aldona, Brunon, Burchard, Dobromiła, Emil, Emilian, Emiliusz, Germanik, Maria, Marian, Placydia |
| Croatia | October | 30 | German, Lukan, Marcel, Marojko |
| Italy | October | 30 | Germano |
| Greece | November | 4 | Ermaios |
Erma a classic vintage identity
As a distinctly feminine name, Erma holds a vintage place in US naming history, having peaked in popularity a century ago. Its Germanic origin links it to concepts of completeness and universality, lending the name a strong and reliable mood. This sturdy, traditional tone aligns well with its historical usage as a classic feminine identifier worldwide. Celebrating the unique character of this name is made possible by its observance on April 7 as the dedicated name day in the USA. Erma thus represents an enduring blend of historical popularity and grounded, feminine strength.
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