Rasmus

Rasmus is a masculine given name of Nordic origin. It is the Danish, Norwegian, and Swedish form of Erasmus, which ultimately derives from the Greek name Erasmós meaning “beloved” or “desired.” The name is common in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Iceland, and Estonia, and it appears in various forms across the region. It is used widely today and is associated with traditional Lutheran heritage in parts of Northern Europe.

Notable people named Rasmus include Rasmus Lerdorf, the programmer who created the PHP scripting language; Rasmus Paludan, a Danish-Swedish political activist known for his controversial views; and Danish actors such as Rasmus Bjerg and footballer Rasmus Hojlund. The name has been borne by individuals across fields including technology, politics, entertainment, and sports, reflecting its broad usage in Nordic societies.

In popular culture, Rasmus Klump is a Danish children's comic bear created by Carla and Vilhelm Hansen in 1951. The strip follows the adventures of Rasmus Klump and his friends as they travel the world by ship. In many languages the character is known as Rasmus Klump, while in some countries the same character is called Petzi.

Rasmus is primarily a given name and is less commonly used as a surname. Its usage continues to be popular in Nordic and Baltic regions, with occasional adoption in other parts of Europe and the Americas.