Erna is a feminine given name of German origin, derived from the Germanic elements "ere" meaning 'honor' and "nan" meaning 'bold'. The name Erna gained popularity during the late 19th to mid-20th century in Germany and other parts of Europe. It was often used as a short form of compound names like Ernestine or Ernestina. In some cultures, Erna may also be considered a variant spelling of the Scandinavian name Anni, which is itself a diminutive of Anna. Today, while not as widespread as it once was, Erna remains an uncommon yet recognizable name with a strong historical presence.
"Erna's popularity in births peaked in 1921 with six newborns sharing her name, after a decade of fewer births (five in 1909). Over the two years combined, eleven girls were named Erna."