erasmus/ɪˈɹæzməs/EtymologyFrom Medieval Latin Erasmus. The EU student exchange programme is named after Erasmus of Rotterdam, and also a backronym for “European [Community] Action Scheme for the Mobility of University Students”.erasmus means desiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (known as Erasmus or Erasmus of Rotterdam), a Dutch humanist and theologian. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 73 out of 100.nameDesiderius Erasmus Roterodamus (known as Erasmus or Erasmus of Rotterdam), a Dutch humanist and theologian.A male given name from Ancient Greek, rare in English.nounAn exchange student taking part in an Erasmus Programme.A study period as part of the Erasmus Programme.