Erminie is a unique and distinctive female given name of Greek origin. It is derived from the Greek word "Ἑρμηνεύς" (Hermeneus), which means "interpreter" or "explainer". The name Hermione, also of Greek origin, shares this meaning.
The name Erminie first appeared in English literature during the 19th century. It was used by Scottish author Susan Ferrier in her novel "Marriage", published in 1818. However, it is believed that the name had been in use among the Scottish aristocracy for some time before this.
In Scotland, the name Erminie was often associated with the Gordon family, a prominent Highland clan. It is thought that the Gordons may have adapted the Greek name Hermione into their own family tradition, eventually leading to its use as Erminie.
Throughout history, several notable figures have borne the name Erminie. One of the most famous is Lady Erminia FitzClarence (1804-1850), an illegitimate daughter of King William IV of the United Kingdom and his mistress Dorothea Jordan. Lady Erminie was known for her beauty and charm, and she married a Scottish nobleman.
Today, Erminie remains a rare but beautiful name, often chosen by parents looking for something distinctive and meaningful for their daughters. Its Greek origin and unique sound make it stand out from more common names, while its meaning adds an extra layer of depth.
The statistics regarding the name Erminie show that it was relatively popular during the early to mid-20th century in the United States. Between the years 1907 and 1930, there were a total of 63 babies born with the name Erminie.
During this period, the name's popularity varied from year to year. The highest number of births occurred in 1921, with 8 newborn girls named Erminie that year. Conversely, some years saw only 5 or 6 babies given this name, such as in 1907, 1914, and 1915.
It's interesting to note that the popularity of the name Erminie seemed to fluctuate rather than follow a consistent trend during these years. For instance, after reaching its peak in 1921, the number of births dropped significantly to just 6 in 1928, before slightly rebounding to 5 in 1930.
Overall, while Erminie may not have been one of the most popular names during this period, it was still chosen for a notable number of newborn girls across several decades.