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Damian

♂ Boy

Pronounced DAY-mee-un /ˈdeɪ.mi.ən/High

Meaning: To tame; to subdue; a tamer — from Greek Damianos, from damazein (to tame, subdue)High

In 30 seconds: A Greek name meaning 'to tame,' Damian was borne by the martyr physician Saint Damian of Arabia. Despite its sinister movie associations, it has been a steady American top-100 name.
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Origin HighGreek
MeaningTo tame; to subdue; a tamer — from Greek Damianos, from damazein (to tame, subdue)
Peak year2013
Total births (all-time)≈ 82,960

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

peak 201319122017

U.S. births per year (Social Security Administration, 1880–present). Pink marker = peak year.

History & Origin

Damian derives from the Greek Damianos, from damazein, meaning 'to tame' or 'to subdue.' Saint Damian and his twin brother Cosmas were 3rd-century Christian martyrs and patron saints of medicine.

The name gained a sinister reputation in popular culture from the film The Omen (1976), but despite this it has remained a popular Catholic boys' name in the United States, now in the top 100.

Did you know? Saints Cosmas and Damian (3rd century) were Arab twin physicians who practiced medicine for free — they are the patron saints of medicine and pharmacists.

Variations

DamienDamonDamianos

Nicknames

DamiDam

Famous Bearers

  • ★Damian (Saint) (d. c. 303 AD)
    Christian martyr and physician, patron saint of medicine alongside his twin Cosmas.

If you like Damian…

Sebastian— saint's name with the same three-syllable Catholic heritage and cool
Dominic— Latin Catholic classic with the same steady, dignified popularity
Julian— Latin saint's name with the same smooth three-syllable flow
Adrian— Latin Catholic saint's name with the same Roman-era origin

Frequently Asked

What does the name Damian mean?

Damian comes from the Greek Damianos, meaning 'to tame' or 'to subdue,' from damazein.

How do you pronounce Damian?

It is said DAY-mee-un /ˈdeɪ.mi.ən/ — three syllables, stress on the first.

Is Damian a boy or girl name?

Damian is used almost exclusively as a boy's name.

How popular is Damian?

Damian has been a consistent U.S. top-100 boys' name for several decades.