The name Erasmo is derived from the Greek name Erasmus, which itself has its roots in the word "erasmios" meaning "beloved" or "desired". This name can be traced back to ancient Greece and the Hellenistic period.

Erasmus was also the name of an influential 16th century Dutch Renaissance scholar and philosopher. Born in 1466 (or 1467) in Rotterdam, he is widely considered one of the greatest scholars of the Northern Renaissance. His full name was Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, with Erasmus being his given name.

The name Erasmo gained popularity across Europe during the Renaissance period, particularly in Italy, Spain, and Portugal. It was seen as a learned and cultured name, reflecting the humanist ideals of the time.

In Italy, one of the earliest recorded instances of the name Erasmo can be found in the 14th century Dominican friar and philosopher, Erasmo da Valvasone, who lived from around 1310 to 1378.

Another notable bearer of the name was Erasmo di Narni, also known as Erasmo Gattamelata, an Italian Renaissance condottiero (mercenary captain) who lived from 1370 to 1443. He was renowned for his military exploits and served under the Republic of Venice.

In Spain, one of the most famous Erasmos was Erasmo de Rotterdam, the Spanish translation of the name of the Dutch scholar Desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus, whose works had a significant influence on the Spanish Renaissance.

In Portugal, the name Erasmo was borne by Erasmo Gemisto Pletone, a 15th century Greek scholar and one of the most influential philosophers of the Renaissance period in the Balkans.

Another notable figure was Erasmo Vieira de Nápoles, a 16th century Portuguese historian and writer who lived from 1511 to 1581 and authored several works on the history of Portugal and its colonies.

These are just a few examples of how the name Erasmo has been used throughout history, reflecting its ties to the Renaissance and the ideals of humanism, learning, and philosophy.