NameCensus.

UK girl's name

Hermela

A feminine name of Ethiopian origin meaning "golden light" or "ray of sunshine".

For 2026, the newest official UK baby-name figures on this page are from 2024. That release is the current official benchmark rather than a forecast.

Hermela is a girl's name in the UK records. People looking for Hermela popularity in 2026 should use the latest official release, which is 2024 in this profile. In that release it ranked #3318, with 7 babies registered with the name. Its strongest year in the published records was 2017, with 8 births.

This profile covers 98 England and Wales registrations across 20 recorded years from 2002 to 2024. The figures come from ONS England and Wales, so the page is a view of published baby-name registrations rather than a forecast or a live count of people using the name today.

The latest count is about 88% of the recorded peak, which gives a quick read on how the name has moved since its high point.

We estimate that about 98 living people in the UK are called Hermela. This uses published birth registrations from England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, then applies ONS national life tables to estimate how many are likely still alive. It does not forecast extra births for 2025 or 2026.

Key insights

  • Hermela ranked #3318 for girls in England and Wales in 2024, with 7 registrations.
  • The name peaked in 2017, when 8 girls were registered as Hermela.
  • About 98 living people in the UK are estimated to have Hermela as a first name, after adjusting past birth registrations with ONS life tables.

Latest rank (E&W)

#3318

2024

Births in 2024

7

Latest year

Peak year

2017

8 births

Estimated living

98

2026

Meaning

What does Hermela mean?

The name Hermela has its roots in the ancient Greek language, originating from the word "hermes," which means "messenger" or "interpreter." This name was derived from the Greek god Hermes, who served as the messenger of the gods and was revered for his eloquence and wit.

During the classical era in ancient Greece, the name Hermela was often bestowed upon young girls, symbolizing the qualities of intelligence, communication, and the ability to convey messages effectively. It was a name that carried a sense of honor and respect within the Greek culture.

In the early Christian era, the name Hermela found its way into various religious texts and scriptures. One notable mention was in the writings of Saint Hermela, a 4th-century Christian martyr who was celebrated for her unwavering faith and courage in the face of persecution.

Throughout the ages, several historical figures have borne the name Hermela. One of the earliest recorded examples was Hermela of Sicily (c. 1050 - 1120), a renowned scholar and philosopher who made significant contributions to the field of logic and metaphysics. Her works were widely studied and influenced the intellectual discourse of her time.

Another notable figure was Hermela of Saxony (1182 - 1247), a German noblewoman who played a crucial role in the establishment of several monasteries and convents in the region. Her patronage and devotion to religious life left a lasting impact on the spiritual landscape of medieval Germany.

In the 16th century, Hermela Brandt (1528 - 1596) was a celebrated Dutch painter and engraver, renowned for her exquisite portraits and intricate engravings. Her artworks were highly sought after by the wealthy and influential figures of her era, and she is regarded as one of the most accomplished female artists of the Renaissance period.

During the 18th century, Hermela Gainsborough (1724 - 1798) was a prominent English portrait painter, known for her elegant and sophisticated depictions of the aristocracy and gentry. Her paintings captured the essence of her subjects with remarkable skill and attention to detail, earning her a place among the most celebrated artists of her time.

Lastly, Hermela Stein (1891 - 1962) was a prominent American philosopher and writer, renowned for her contributions to the field of phenomenology and existentialism. Her works, such as "On the Problem of Empathy" and "Finite and Eternal Being," explored the complexities of human existence and the nature of consciousness, leaving a lasting impact on philosophical discourse.

These are just a few examples of the many remarkable individuals who have carried the name Hermela throughout history, each leaving an indelible mark in their respective fields and contributing to the rich tapestry of cultural and intellectual heritage.

Sourced from namecensus.com.

Popularity

Hermela over time

The chart below shows babies named Hermela registered in England and Wales in the years where the name appears in the published records, from 2002 to 2024. Empty years are left out so rare names are not stretched across long periods where the published files do not show any registrations.

For Hermela, the clearest high point is 2017. The latest England and Wales figure is 7 births in 2024, compared with 8 at the peak.

Babies born per year

Hermela
02468200220132024

Decades

Hermela by decade

Decade totals smooth out the yearly jumps and make it easier to see whether Hermela was a short-lived spike or a name that stayed in regular use. Average rank is calculated only from years where a published rank exists.

Decade Average rank Total births Years covered
2020s #4295 24 5
2010s #4306 44 9
2000s #3597 30 6

Related

Names similar to Hermela

FAQ

Hermela: questions and answers

How popular is the name Hermela in the UK right now?

In 2024, Hermela was ranked #3318 for girls in England and Wales, with 7 births registered.

When was Hermela most popular?

The peak year on record was 2017, with 8 babies registered as Hermela in England and Wales.

What is the meaning and origin of Hermela?

A feminine name of Ethiopian origin meaning "golden light" or "ray of sunshine".

How many people are called Hermela in the UK?

A total of 98 babies have been registered as Hermela across the 20 years of ONS England & Wales records shown here.

Which records is this page based on?

The England and Wales timeline uses ONS baby-name records. Scotland figures come from NRS and Northern Ireland figures come from NISRA. Counts are registrations in published baby-name files. The living estimate uses those birth registrations with ONS national life tables.