The name 'Erasmus' is derived from the Greek word ἐράσμιος (erasmios), meaning 'beloved' or 'desired'. It carries connotations of affection and high regard. Historically, the name has been associated with notable figures such as Saint Erasmus, a 4th-century martyr and patron saint of sailors, and Desiderius Erasmus, a prominent Dutch scholar of the Renaissance period. The name embodies a sense of intellectual and spiritual significance, reflecting the legacy of these influential individuals.