Kerma is a unisex name of African origin, specifically from the ancient kingdom of Kerma in modern-day Sudan. It was once the capital of an early civilization that predated Egypt's Old Kingdom by several centuries. The name itself means 'black' in Nubian, referring to the dark-skinned people who inhabited the region. Today, Kerma is used as both a male and female given name, particularly among African communities.
The name Kerma had a notable peak in popularity during the mid-20th century, with the most births occurring in 1934 and 1936, totaling 13 babies named Kerma those years. However, it seems the name's usage tapered off afterwards, with fewer than 7 births each year from 1938 to 1958. Overall, there were a total of 39 babies named Kerma during this period.