What does Herma mean and where does it come from?
Herma is derived from the Greek name Hermes (Ἑρμής), which referred to the messenger god in Greek mythology. The name has historical associations with communication and messages. It has several variations in different countries, and while it is not widely used in modern times, it appears in some lit
Cultural significance
Herma has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in Greek-speaking communities, where it reflects values of of hermes; a variant of the name derived from hermas..
Peak popularity
Reached #895 in 1889 — currently #1109 in the US.
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Related Reading
Greek-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Herma?
Herma works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Herma Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Herma Rose
Floral · soft ending
Herma Mae
Sweet · timeless
Herma Claire
French influence · crisp
Herma Jane
Literary · strong
Herma Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Herma right now?
Holding steady — currently #1109 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1109 | 1,091 | ▲ up 5 · +2% births |
| 2022 | #1114 | 1,071 | ▲ up 5 · +3% births |
| 2021 | #1119 | 1,041 | ▲ up 4147 · +17250% births |
| 1955 | #5266 | 6 | ▼ down 896 · -14% births |
| 1950 | #4370 | 7 | ▼ down 938 · -12% births |
| 1945 | #3432 | 8 | ▼ down 1452 · -53% births |
| 1940 | #1980 | 17 | ▲ up 51 · +6% births |
| 1935 | #2031 | 16 | ▼ down 140 · -16% births |
| 1930 | #1891 | 19 | ▼ down 128 · -21% births |
| 1925 | #1763 | 24 | ▲ up 73 · +9% births |
| 1920 | #1836 | 22 | ▲ up 579 · +83% births |
| 1915 | #2415 | 12 | ▼ down 1323 · -29% births |
| 1910 | #1092 | 17 | ▲ up 669 · +183% births |
| 1905 | #1761 | 6 | ▼ down 614 · -50% births |
| 1900 | #1147 | 12 | — |
The story of Herma
Herma has been a beloved American name for over 140 years, first appearing in Social Security records in 1884. With 861 total births recorded, Herma remains relatively uncommon. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #1432 in 1890 to #1109 in 2023.
Names that peaked alongside Herma in 1889:
Herma by decade
Herma peaked in the 1880s. See all 1880s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1880s | 21 | |
| 1890s | 31 | |
| 1900s | 80 | |
| 1910s | 180 | |
| 1920s ★ | 209 | |
| 1930s | 163 | |
| 1940s | 127 | |
| 1950s | 45 | |
| 1960s | 5 | |
💎Herma has only 861 total recorded births since 1884 — rarer than 99% of names in our database.
What are good nicknames for Herma?
Famous people named Herma
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Herma (modern Greek athlete)
Herma brought this name to international sporting recognition representing Greece.
H(
Herma (ancient philosopher)
Herma bore this name in classical Greece, where it was associated with wisdom and learning.
H(
Herma (Greek mythological figure)
Herma carried this name in Greek mythology, connecting it to divine or heroic tradition.
H(
Herma (Byzantine leader)
Herma used this name through the Byzantine Empire, preserving its Greek heritage into the medieval era.
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Celebrity Names
What celebrities named their babies in 2024
Explore →What names sound and feel like Herma?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Herma also consider these
Common questions about the name Herma
What does the name Herma mean?
Herma means "Of Hermes; a variant of the name derived from Hermas." — 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 Herma?
Herma is currently a distinctive and less common name as a girl name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Herma?
Herma 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 Herma?
Herma is a two-syllable name pronounced HH ER0 M AA1. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Herma a common or rare name?
Herma is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.