ERASMUS
Erasmus
The surname Erasmus is of Dutch and German origins, deriving from the personal name Erasmus, which itself comes from the Greek word 'Erasmios', meaning beloved, esteemed, or friendly. The name was popularised by the Dutch humanist and theologian Desiderius Erasmus, who lived during the Renaissance period.
Origins and Distribution
The Erasmus surname can typically be found in regions with historical ties to Dutch and German populations, such as the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, and South Africa. Migration patterns have also dispersed the surname to other parts of the world, including the United Kingdom and former British colonies.
Notable Individuals
Desiderius Erasmus (1466–1536) - A renowned scholar, Erasmus was a key figure in the humanist movement of the Renaissance. His works, including "In Praise of Folly" and editions of the New Testament, had a significant impact on Western intellectual thought.
Hans Erasmus Aßmann (1646–1699) - A German diplomat and poet, known for his contributions to German Baroque literature.
Variants and Derivatives
Variants of the Erasmus surname may include Errazo, Razmus, and Rasmoose among others. These variations reflect linguistic evolutions and regional influences across different populations.
Current Status
The Erasmus surname continues to be passed down through generations, maintaining connections to its historical roots while also evolving within modern society. People bearing the surname Erasmus can be found in various professions and walks of life, contributing to the diversity and richness of British society.
There are approximately 809 people named Erasmus in the UK. That makes it roughly the 8,693rd most common surname in Britain. Around 12 in a million people in Britain are named Erasmus.
Typical given names associated with the surname
Male
- Christopher
- Daniel
- David
- Eben
- Gabriel
- Gavin
- Ian
- James
- Johannes
- John
- Martin
- Michael
- Nicolaas
- Peter
- Pieter
Female
- Amanda
- Gemma
- Hannah
- Lynn
- Margaret
- Maxine
- Ruth
- Sharon
- Sian
- Susan
- Tracey
- Tracy
Similar and related surnames
Related and similar names are generated algorithmically based on the spelling, and may not necessarily share an etymology.