What does Kermit mean and where does it come from?
Originally a male name of Irish origin, Kermit gained popularity as a gender-neutral name, especially in the US due to the famous Muppet character Kermit the Frog. The name Kermit means 'free man' in Irish. Although Kermit was traditionally more common for boys, the rise of unique and character-insp
Cultural significance
Kermit has been a cherished name across cultures, particularly in American-speaking communities, where it reflects values of free man.
Peak popularity
Reached #3161 in 1912 — currently #1784 in the US.
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Related Reading
American-origin baby names with timeless appeal
Browse names →What middle names flow best with Kermit?
Kermit works best with short, strong middle names — one or two syllables keep the full name from becoming a mouthful
Kermit Grace
Most popular combo · classic
Kermit Rose
Floral · soft ending
Kermit Mae
Sweet · timeless
Kermit Claire
French influence · crisp
Kermit Jane
Literary · strong
Kermit Skye
Modern · airy feel
How popular is Kermit right now?
Holding steady — currently #1784 in the US out of 135.5k tracked names
| Year | US Rank | Births | vs Prior Year |
|---|
| 2023 | #1784 | 416 | ▲ up 5 · +5% births |
| 2022 | #1789 | 396 | ▲ up 5 · +8% births |
| 2021 | #1794 | 366 | ▲ up 2764 · +6000% births |
| 1920 | #4558 | 6 | — |
The story of Kermit
Kermit entered American naming records in 1912 and has been in use for over 112 years. A total of 16,460 babies have received this name. The name has grown more popular over time, rising from #4558 in 1920 to #1784 in 2023. Kermit is used for both genders: 0% female and 100% male.
Names that peaked alongside Kermit in 1912:
Kermit by decade
Kermit peaked in the 1910s. See all 1910s names →
| Decade | Births | |
|---|
| 1900s | 377 | |
| 1910s | 2,697 | |
| 1920s ★ | 3,009 | |
| 1930s | 2,794 | |
| 1940s | 2,658 | |
| 1950s | 1,965 | |
| 1960s | 1,443 | |
| 1970s | 841 | |
| 1980s | 337 | |
| 1990s | 176 | |
| 2000s | 100 | |
| 2010s | 63 | |
What are good nicknames for Kermit?
What names sound and feel like Kermit?
Based on sound, origin, and style — parents who love Kermit also consider these
Common questions about the name Kermit
What does the name Kermit mean?
Kermit means "free man" — a name rooted in American 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 Kermit?
Kermit is currently a distinctive and less common name as a baby name in the US and is holding steady in popularity, a reliable classic that parents consistently choose.
What is the cultural origin of Kermit?
Kermit originates from American tradition. American 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 Kermit?
Kermit is a two-syllable name pronounced K ER1 M IH0 T. The pronunciation is straightforward for English speakers, and the name reads clearly on paper — an important practical consideration for parents.
Is Kermit a common or rare name?
Kermit is a distinctive choice that balances familiarity with individuality. It strikes a balance between standing out and fitting in.