Kermit is an uncommon given name of Scottish origin, derived from the name Cormac, which means "chariot rider" or "warlike." In Irish mythology, Cormac mac Airt was a legendary king who was known for his wisdom and justice. The name Kermit likely emerged as a variant spelling of this ancient name over time.
The first recorded instance of the name Kermit in America is believed to be Kermit Roosevelt (1865-1943), the son of President Theodore Roosevelt. However, it was not until much later that the name gained significant popularity due to its association with a popular Muppet character created by Jim Henson.
Kermit the Frog, a beloved character on the children's television show Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, debuted in 1955 as an original puppet created by Henson. This iconic frog character quickly became one of the most recognizable figures in popular culture. Although Kermit the Frog is not named after the human name Kermit, it is possible that the popularity of the Muppet character has contributed to a rise in the usage of this unique given name.
Today, Kermit remains an uncommon yet distinctive name with a rich history rooted in Scottish and Irish mythology. While its association with a famous frog character may bring smiles to some faces, the name Kermit is a timeless choice that carries its own unique charm and heritage.
The name Kermit has seen a significant decline in popularity over the past century, with a peak of 431 births in 1919 and a low of 5 births in 2017. From the 1940s onwards, there were fewer than 300 births per year on average. The last decade has seen even fewer Kermit births, with an average of just over 8 per year between 2010 and 2022.