Demi

♀ Girl

Pronounced DEM-ee /ˈdɛm.i/High

Meaning: Short form of Demetria (devoted to Demeter) or from French demi meaning half; used independently as a given nameHigh

In 30 seconds: Demi is a bold, two-syllable name with Greek and French roots — a short form of Demetria that has stepped confidently into the spotlight as a standalone name.

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Origin HighGreek, French

MeaningShort form of Demetria (devoted to Demeter) or from French demi meaning half; used independently as a given name

U.S. rank (2025)#381 ↗ Rising

2025 U.S. births804 girls (0.05% of U.S. girls)

Peak year2020

Total births (all-time)≈ 14,866

Popularity in the U.S. · SSA data

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

SSA data updated May 2026. How we source & verify this data.

History & Origin

Demi functions both as a short form of the Greek Demetria — meaning devoted to the goddess Demeter — and as the French word demi meaning half. Both strands feed into its use as a given name.

Largely popularized in the late 20th century by actress Demi Moore, the name gained further exposure through singer Demi Lovato. It is now used as a confident standalone name in English-speaking countries.

Did you know? Actress Demi Moore, born Demi Gene Guynes, made this nickname-name internationally famous in the late 1980s and 1990s when she became one of Hollywood's highest-paid stars.

Overall data confidence 88%

Behind the Name — Demi — etymology and historyU.S. Social Security Administration — popularity data

Variations

DemetriaDemie

Nicknames

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Famous Bearers

★Demi Moore (1962–present)
American actress and producer, one of the highest-paid actresses of the 1990s.
★Demi Lovato (1992–present)
American singer, songwriter, and actress; rose to fame on Disney Channel.

If you like Demi…

Remi— shares the punchy two-syllable -emi pattern and modern standalone appeal

Denim— another modern pick

Denym— a fellow French choice

Sydney— another modern pick

Kira— another Greek name

Explore names like Demi

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Frequently Asked

What does the name Demi mean?

Demi is a short form of Demetria meaning devoted to the goddess Demeter, or the French word demi meaning half.

How do you pronounce Demi?

It is said DEM-ee /ˈdɛm.i/ — two syllables, stress on the first.

Is Demi a real name or just a nickname?

Demi started as a nickname for Demetria but is now widely used as a full given name in its own right.

Is Demi popular?

Demi gained wide recognition through Demi Moore and Demi Lovato and is used regularly in the U.S. and Europe.