Erna is a feminine given name of German origin. The name is derived from the German word "Ehren," which means "honor" or "respect." Erna has been used as a given name since the Middle Ages, and it was particularly popular in Germany during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
The name Erna is often associated with strength, dignity, and grace. Throughout history, there have been many notable individuals named Erna who have made significant contributions to various fields such as art, literature, and politics. For example, Erna Scheffler was a German-American sculptor who created numerous public works during the early 20th century.
In popular culture, Erna has appeared in several books, films, and television shows. One of the most well-known examples is Erna Morena, a character from the Brazilian soap opera "A Escrava Isaura" (1875).
Today, Erna remains a unique and distinctive name that carries a rich history and positive associations. It may not be as commonly used as some other names, but those who bear it often take pride in its meaning and heritage.
The name Erna experienced significant popularity and fluctuations in the late 19th to mid-20th centuries, with a peak of 358 births in 1916 during World War I. However, its usage declined sharply post-World War II, with only single-digit births recorded from 1973 onwards, indicating that the name has largely fallen out of favor.