Gender: Masculine
Usage: Italian, English
Meaning
Originally a short form of Germanic names that began with the element helm meaning “helmet, protection”. It is also a derivative of Erasmus, via the old Italian diminutive Ermo. Saint Elmo, also known as Saint Erasmus, was a 4th-century martyr who is the patron of sailors. Saint Elmo’s fire is said to be a sign of his protection.