Erasmus

“Beloved”

Greek origin · Boy name

♂ 97% boys♀ 3% girls

#11160US 2021

6Births / yr

↓Falling

111All-time births

📅 Since 188000.01% of births at peak

How to pronounce Erasmus

ir·AZM·us

/ɪr.ˈæzm.əs/ · stress on AZM · 3 syllables

“Beloved”

Greek origin · Boy name

What does Erasmus mean and where does it come from?

Erasmus has Greek origins, derived from the word 'erasmos', meaning 'beloved' or 'desired'. The name gained prominence in Europe due to the influential Dutch philosopher Desiderius Erasmus (1466-1536), who was a significant figure in the Renaissance, known for his works on education and religious re

Cultural significance

Erasmus has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of beloved.

Peak popularity

Reached #832 in 1881 — currently #11160 in the US.

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What middle names flow best with Erasmus?

Erasmus works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful

Erasmus Grace

How popular is Erasmus right now?

Falling — down 631 spots — currently #11160 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names

US Trend 1880–2021#11160 · Top 8.2%

1880

1915

1920

1925

1970

2000

2010

2020

2021

Year	US Rank	Births	vs Prior Year
2021	#11160	6	▼ down 631
2020	#10529	6	▲ up 1729 · +20% births
2010	#12258	5	▼ down 1882
2000	#10376	5	▼ down 5611
1970	#4765	5	▼ down 531
1925	#4234	5	▲ up 85
1920	#4319	5	▼ down 460
1915	#3859	5	▼ down 2895
1880	#964	5	—

Name Popularity Timeline

Popularity Statistics for Erasmus

Best Year1915Rank #3859

Peak Count6

Average Rank#7688

Current Trend↘Falling

Data Range1915 - 20218 years

The story of Erasmus

Erasmus has been a beloved American name for over 144 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1880. With 111 total births recorded, Erasmus remains relatively uncommon. Once ranked #964 in 1880, the name has become less common in recent years, sitting at #11160 in 2021.

Names that peaked alongside Erasmus in 1881:

John William James George Charles

Erasmus by decade

Erasmus peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →

Decade	Births
1880s	16
1910s	28
1920s ★	30
1940s	5
1970s	10
2000s	5
2010s	11
2020s	6

💎Erasmus has only 111 total recorded births since 1880 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.

What are good nicknames for Erasmus?

ENGLISH

Elmo

GERMAN

Elmo

ITALIAN

Elmo

MEDIEVAL ITALIAN

Ermo

Famous people named Erasmus

Erasmus (Byzantine leader)

Erasmus used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Erasmus (Greek mythological figure)

Erasmus carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.

Erasmus (Byzantine leader)

Erasmus used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.

Erasmus (Greek poet or artist)

Erasmus helped establish this as a name of cultural and artistic prestige in the Hellenic world.

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What names sound and feel like Erasmus?

Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Erasmus also consider these

Erastus

Greek · beloved

Deramus

French · A French name

American · Possible derivative of

How is Erasmus written in other languages?

Ερασμος

Ancient Greek

Common questions about the name Erasmus

What does the name Erasmus mean?

Erasmus means "Beloved" — a name rooted in Greek tradition that carries both historical depth and timeless appeal. The meaning reflects values that have made this name endure across generations.

How popular is the name Erasmus?

Erasmus is currently a distinctive and less common name as a boy name in the US and is becoming rarer and more distinctive, making it a unique choice that stands out.

What is the cultural origin of Erasmus?

Erasmus originates from Greek tradition. Greek names tend to carry strong cultural heritage and have spread across the world through migration, literature, and religion over centuries.

How do you pronounce the name Erasmus?

Erasmus is a three-syllable name pronounced IH0 R AE1 Z M AH0 S. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.

What sibling names go well with Erasmus?

Erasmus pairs beautifully with sibling names that share a similar Greek heritage or complement its melodic and flowing sound. Names with a similar vibe create a cohesive sibling set without matching too closely.